Double Vision

[kenm560]

Double vision.  Top bottom double vision started a few years ago when reading but now its happening in a reduced form when  watching TV

[caregiver222]

There are other possible problems that affect the cranial nerves. Structural disorders, growths, ocasionally an aneurysm.

There is a specialty called opthamological neurologist that is good at differential diagnosis.

Often there is an autoimmune disease at work, inducing an inflammatory reaction that causes deterioration of the nerve sheaths. This is often progressive. For many years the protocol of many physicians was to treat "double-vision" by administration of steroids, specifically prednisone. Ibuprufen, a mild NSAID anti-inflammatory is ocasionally prescribed.

The disorder may be self-limiting, but it usually comes back and progresses to other cranial nerves.  Depending on the exact presentation (side-to side or up-and-down) vision the specific cranial nerve can be identified.

Generally both an MRI and an MRA are indicated, as well as an hba1c.

Ocasionally the cause remains a mystery.

[caregiver222]

This is a result of palsy of one of the cranial nerves, commonly caused by diabetic neuropathy.

Initially, it uslly resolved within several months, but may come back.

Treatment is a patch over one eye, and ibuprufin to relieve headache.

An hba1c test for glucose utilization is indicated.