Abducens Nerve Palsy In Gestational Hypertension: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2017 Oct;39(10):890-893. doi: 10.1016/j.jogc.2017.04.031. Epub 2017 Jun 8.

Abstract

Background: Headache, blurring of vision, and confusion are common neurologic symptoms of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, whereas abducens nerve palsy during pregnancy is an extremely rare condition.

Case: A 28-year-old woman with gestational hypertension presented isolated sixth cranial nerve palsy after delivery. Neither simple resonance nor angioresonance showed alterations. No other specific pathology was found. Symptoms of abducens nerve palsy resolved spontaneously.

Conclusion: Abducens nerve palsy is an unusual condition. We present a review of the literature finding eight documented cases of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy associated with sixth nerve palsy. This case is the ninth reported case.

Keywords: Hypertension; eclampsia; paralysis; preeclampsia; pregnancy; sixth nerve.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abducens Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced*
  • Pregnancy
  • Puerperal Disorders / etiology*