Bilateral traumatic abducens nerve avulsion: A case series and literature review

Abstract

Although abducens nerve palsy is an established sequela of head trauma - given the prolonged intracranial course of the nerve - bilateral injury is rare. Here, we present two cases of bilateral traumatic abducens nerve avulsion, in the absence of regional fractures, one of which presented two months following the initial trauma. Additionally, we review the current literature on bilateral abducens nerve palsy secondary to trauma, discussing the anatomy of the nerve's course and potential mechanisms of injury.

Keywords: Bilateral abducens nerve palsy; Sixth cranial nerve; Trauma.