Definition of Supranuclear ophthalmoplegia
Supranuclear ophthalmoplegia is a condition that affects the movement of the eyes.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
This disorder occurs because the brain is sending and receiving faulty information through the nerves that control eye movement. The nerves themselves are healthy.
Symptoms
People with this condition are unable to move their eyes in all directions, especially looking upward.
Signs and tests
An exam of the nervous system (neurological examination) may show:
Treatment
The treatment depends on the cause of the supranuclear ophthalmoplegia.
Expectations (prognosis)
The outlook depends on the cause of the supranuclear ophthalmoplegia.
Review
Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, and Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, CA; and David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 7/10/2010
