6TH CRANIAL NERVE PALSY FOLLOWING CLOSED-HEAD INJURY IN A CHILD

A five year old female had an isolated abducens nerve palsy following closed head injury, There was no associated skull fracture, haematoma, or other cranial nerve injury, The significance, frequency, and diffe rential diagnosis of traumatic sixth cranial nerve injury is discussed , particularly in paediatric patients, Management is symptomatic; occl usion with an eye pad may be used if diplopia is significant, In young children alternate day occlusion of each eye will help prevent amblyo pia. Most cases improve within three months and many resolve by six mo nths. Residual palsy at six months is likely to be permanent and surgi cal treatment may be needed.