Abducens nerve palsy

Dysfunction of cranial nerve VI causing paresis or paralysis of the ipsilateral lateral rectus muscle, leading to impaired ocular abduction and horizontal diplopia, often with esotropia of the affected eye in primary gaze.

Possible causes:

• Microvascular nerve damage from diabetes or hypertension (atherosclerosis)

• Stroke

• Head injuries

• Tumors

• Viral infections

• Meningitis

• Lyme disease

• Syphilis

• Brain abscess

• Multiple sclerosis

• Increased intracranial pressure