Supranuclear ophthalmoplegia Health Article

Definition

Supranuclear ophthalmoplegia is a condition that affects the movement of the eyes.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

This disorder occurs because the brain is sending and receiving faulty information through the nerves that control eye movement. The nerves themselves are healthy.

People who have this problem may have progressive supranuclear palsy, a disorder that affects the way the brain controls movement. A brain injury (such as stroke) also can cause different types of supranuclear ophthalmoplegia.

Symptoms

People with this condition are unable to move their eyes in all directions. Often, though, they can make partial eye movements.

References

Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004:331.