The Aetiology and Management of Long-Lasting Sixth Nerve Palsy in Ophthalmoplegic Migraine

The features and management of two adult patients with ophthalmoplegic migraine and longlasting sixth nerve palsies are described. Both had had previous shorter episodes of diplopia following migraine-like headaches. One recovered following an injection of botulinum toxin to the medial rectus of her affected eye 11 months after the onset of diplopia. The other patient had previously had surgery for a consecutive divergent squint and required further squint surgery to realign his eyes 1 year after the onset of his sixth nerve palsy. Both botulinum toxin and squint surgery may be useful in the management of longstanding sixth nerve palsy in patients with ophthalmoplegic migraine. The aetiology of ophthalmoplegic migraine is discussed.