Sixth Nerve Palsy

Sixth nerve palsy is a nerve disorder that occurs when the sixth cranial nerve is damaged. The disorder prevents some of the muscles that control eye movement from working properly. Affected people cannot turn the eye outwards toward the ear. Other signs and symptoms may include double vision, headaches, and pain around the eye. Sixth nerve palsy may be caused by many things, including stroke, brain aneurysm, diabetic neuropathy, trauma, infections, inflammation, tumors, migraine headaches or intracranial pressure. Eye patches, glasses, corticosteroids, and/or botulinum toxin may be used to ease symptoms. Some people may not need any treatment, while others may need surgery.