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Abducent nerve palsy treated by microvascular decompression: a case report and review of the literature

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Abstract

Too few cases of isolated abducent nerve palsy caused by neurovascular compression syndrome have been reported. We here report on a case of abducent nerve palsy caused by neurovascular compression syndrome that was successfully treated by microvascular decompression (MVD). A 46-year-old male presented with a 6-month history of right-sided persistent abducent nerve palsy. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging revealed a neurovascular contact of the vertebral artery with the right abducent nerve. MVD was performed via a retrosigmoid craniotomy, with remarkable improvement of the palsy. Our report suggests that MVD might be considered as an optional treatment if the symptoms progress or persist.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Flaminia Miyamasu, a native English speaker, for grammatical revision.

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The patient has consented to the submission of the case report to the Journal.

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All authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speaker’s bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or with any non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

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Correspondence to Tetsuya Yamamoto.

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Yamazaki, T., Yamamoto, T., Hatayama, T. et al. Abducent nerve palsy treated by microvascular decompression: a case report and review of the literature. Acta Neurochir 157, 1801–1805 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-015-2530-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-015-2530-5

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