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Middle ear infection and sixth nerve palsy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

J. J. Homer*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK.
I. J. M. Johnson
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK.
N. S. Jones
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK.
*
Address for correspondence: Mr J. J. Homer, F.R.C.S., 42 Flax House, Navigation Walk, Victoria Quays, Leeds LS10 1JH. Fax: 01484 482147

Abstract

Three cases of patients with acute middle ear infections complicated by a sixth nerve palsy are described. The possible causes of sixth nerve palsy in such cases are discussed. We propose that where there is a sixth nerve palsy without petrositis and without raised intracranial pressure, it can arise as a result of spreading phlebitis along the inferior petrosal sinus from the lateral sinus.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1996

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