Purpose: To study the clinical spectrum and recovery patterns in patients of acquired isolated ocular motor nerve palsies (OMNPs). Methods: Patients above 5 years of age with various etiologies of OMNPs were included. Demographic and ocular details were recorded, and a squint assessment was performed. Recovery patterns at 3 and 6 months were noted. Results: OMNP was more common in adults, in the order VI > III > IV nerve. Ischemic cause (35%) was followed by idiopathic (26.3%). III nerve palsies were all unilateral, of which all ischemic palsies were pupil-sparing. By 6 months, >50 patients showing complete recovery had ischemic and idiopathic palsies. Smaller baseline deviation correlated with better recovery. Conclusion: Acquired isolated OMNPs are mostly ischemia-related, with >80% of cases fully recovering by 6 months. VI nerve palsy of ischemic or idiopathic etiology and small baseline deviation were associated with self-recovery.
Keywords: Diplopia; ocular motor nerve palsies; recovery patterns.