A rare cause of pediatric oculomotor nerve palsy: neurobrucellosis

Heliyon. 2022 Dec 6;8(12):e12134. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12134. eCollection 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Neurobrucellosis is a significant complication of brucella, which is seen more rarely in children than in adults. As there are no specific symptoms, it may be confused with several diseases which involve the nervous system. Although various cranial nerves can be affected in neurobrucellosis, oculomotor nerve involvement is extremely rare. The case is here presented of a 13-year-old patient who presented at the polyclinic with complaints of double vision and left eyelid droop. The diagnosis of neurobrucellosis was made from the determination of brucella antigens in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid, and following treatment, the patient recovered without sequelae. The aim of this case presentation was to emphasise that a reason for oculomotor nerve palsy in the paediatric age group, especially in regions where brucella is endemic, could be neurobrucellosis.

Keywords: Childhood; Neurobrucellosis; Oculomotor nerve palcy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports