The importance of social history in the work-up of painful ophthalmoplegia

Abstract

Painful ophthalmoplegia is not one uncommon clinic phenomenon in both ophthalmological and neurological clinics, which can be caused by various pathological conditions and easily be misdiagnosed by some clinical practitioners. Extensive clinical, laboratory and imaging assessment is required to exclude or confirm the diagnosis. Herein, we report an unusual case of painful ophthalmoplegia caused by orbital wall fracture in one young lady. Our case indicates that orbit wall fracture can be a rare cause of painful ophthalmoplegia, which may enrich our etiological diagnosis and avoid some unnecessary mistakes in certain cases of ophthalmoplegia. • Painful ophthalmoplegia is a challenging clinic phenomenon. • Painful ophthalmoplegia can be caused by various pathological conditions. • Orbit wall fracture is a rare cause of painful ophthalmoplegia.