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What is Fourth Nerve Palsy?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

Fourth nerve palsy refers to a congenital defect or an acquired injury to the fourth cranial nerve, which is responsible for eye movement. When the nerve is damaged or malformed, the superior oblique muscle in the skull behind the eye cannot keep it aligned straight ahead. The affected eye tends to drift vertically, horizontally, or both from center, causing double vision that can only be relieved by tilting the head to one side. Vision problems and self-consciousness about the problem can significantly impair a person's ability to engage in normal daily tasks. Surgery is typically required to correct eye positioning and minimize vision stress.

Most cases of fourth nerve palsy are the result of developmental abnormalities in pregnancy. The causes of congenital palsy are not well understood, and there are no clear connections between palsy and a mother's medication use, diet, or other environmental factors. When fourth nerve palsy develops later in life, it is usually due to a major head injury after a fall from height or a high-impact car crash. The condition can be either unilateral, or confined to one side, or bilateral, affecting both eyes. Most cases of both congenital and acquired fourth nerve palsy are unilateral.

While fourth nerve palsy is typically congenital, injuries from a car crash or other accident can also lead to its development.
While fourth nerve palsy is typically congenital, injuries from a car crash or other accident can also lead to its development.

The deviation of the eye from center alignment is pronounced in some people and very subtle in others. When the eye does not appear to be misaligned, the primary sign of fourth nerve palsy is a tendency to tilt the head to one side. An infant or child can be observed tilting his or her head to compensate for distorted double vision, for example. Head tilt is usually consistent with unilateral palsy, though an infant with bilateral problems may adjust his or her head frequently to try to even out vision.

An electroencephalogram -- or EEG -- machine can be used to help detect fourth nerve palsy.
An electroencephalogram -- or EEG -- machine can be used to help detect fourth nerve palsy.

A doctor can diagnose fourth nerve palsy in an infant by evaluating the physical appearance of the eye and determining the degree of head tilt. Imaging scans and electroencephalograms may be taken as well to look for abnormalities in muscles, nerves, and other structures in the skull. Accident victims are evaluated similarly either before or after treatment for other injuries. After confirming a diagnosis, a team of physicians and surgeons can discuss treatment options.

The fourth cranial nerve helps regulate eye movement.
The fourth cranial nerve helps regulate eye movement.

In most cases, a badly damaged or dysfunctional nerve cannot be corrected. Surgical repair is focused instead on adjusting the tightness of the superior oblique muscle. A surgeon can sever the muscle and reattach it further down on the eye to help pull the organ into better alignment. Following successful surgery, head tilt and central vision tend to improve significantly.

Discussion Comments

anon965240

I have had double vision since the age of 20 and it has been getting worse.

I am now 46 with double vision on the vertical and horizontal. I have been seen many eye specialists who have said I am coping with glasses, I'm fine and carry on as I have been.

I have found this very frustrating because fatigue or any amount of stress affects my vision.

I have recently had my right eye operated on (superior oblique) where they tried to tighten the muscle. This failed, which has caused me to need a larger prism which is too much to incorporate into my glasses. They now want to operate on the inferior rectus in my left to weaken the muscle.

As you may understand, I am very confused and nervous as the last operation failed.

Even with the prism, I still have a noticeable head tilt. I have neck, back and shoulder pain which no one has been able to diagnose. I have only been told this year that I have congenital fourth nerve palsy. I find it very difficult to deal with stress. -- Regards, Alison

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    • While fourth nerve palsy is typically congenital, injuries from a car crash or other accident can also lead to its development.
      By: lupoalb68
      While fourth nerve palsy is typically congenital, injuries from a car crash or other accident can also lead to its development.
    • An electroencephalogram -- or EEG -- machine can be used to help detect fourth nerve palsy.
      By: satori
      An electroencephalogram -- or EEG -- machine can be used to help detect fourth nerve palsy.
    • The fourth cranial nerve helps regulate eye movement.
      By: arturas kerdokas
      The fourth cranial nerve helps regulate eye movement.
    • Each cranial nerve has specific sensory or motor functions.
      By: arkela
      Each cranial nerve has specific sensory or motor functions.
    • After confirming a fourth nerve palsy diagnosis, the doctor will discuss treatment options with the patient.
      By: Monkey Business
      After confirming a fourth nerve palsy diagnosis, the doctor will discuss treatment options with the patient.
    • The causes of congenital palsy are not well understood.
      By: Rafael Ben-Ari
      The causes of congenital palsy are not well understood.
    • Vision problems from fourth nerve palsy can impair a person's ability to engage in every day tasks.
      By: pathdoc
      Vision problems from fourth nerve palsy can impair a person's ability to engage in every day tasks.