Some cases may resolve without treatment if the cause is benign. Treatment of the cause (if it can be identified) may relieve the symptoms in many cases. In some cases, corticosteroids may reduce swelling and relieve pressure on the nerve. Surgery may be appropriate to treat eye lid drooping or dysconjugate gaze.
Expectations (prognosis):
The outcome varies. Some cranial nerve dysfunctions will respond to treatment, but a few cases result in some degree of permanent loss of function. If the dysfunction is caused by brain swelling due to a tumor or stroke, those conditions may cause death.
Complications:
Permanent vision changes
Disfigurement, permanent eyelid drooping
Calling your health care provider:
Call the local emergency number such as 911 or go to the emergency room if double vision develops, if there are signs of altered consciousness, unusual headache, or inability to feel or control parts of the body.
Review Date: 8/16/2004
Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Division of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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