Transient Ocular Motor Nerve Palsies Associated With Cranial Nerve Schwannomas

Schwannomas, or neuromas, of the cranial nerves are rare, most commonly affecting the vestibular nerve (acoustic neuroma) or trigeminal nerve. Schwannomas of the oculomotor and trochlear nerves are more rare but may occur. Although schwannomas of the abducens nerve itself are extremely rare, the abducens nerve may be affected by schwannomas of the trigeminal nerve. It has been recognized that patients with schwannomas may be either symptomatic or asymptomatic. A few isolated case reports, however, have suggested that symptoms from schwannomas may be transient or recurring.