Abstract
We describe three patients in whom an isolated sixth nerve palsy was the only clinical symptom or sign of multiple sclerosis (MS). Data were collected prospectively over 6 years on these three patients, who showe no other signs of brainstem dysfunction or prior symptoms; in addition. Retrospective analysis of all patients with MS and all patients with sixth nerve palsy referred to a neuro-ophthalmology service between 1982 and 1998 showed isolated sixth nerve palsy to be the presenting sign of MS in only 0.5% of these patients. MS was the cause of isolated sixth nerve palsy in 0.8% of all patients and in 1.6% of those aged 18–50 years. Although it has been previously suggested that sixth nerve palsy is an ot uncommon presenting sign of MS, our results suggest it is rare.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 15 November 1999/Received in revised form: 15 March 2000/Accepted: 26 April 2000
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Barr, D., Kupersmith, M., Turbin, R. et al. Isolated sixth nerve palsy: an uncommon presenting sign of multiple sclerosis. J Neurol 247, 701–704 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004150070114
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004150070114