The function of the abducens nerve is to move your lateral rectus muscle.
This lets your eye rotate away from the center of your body and look to the left or right.
Sometimes called the abducent nerve, the abducens nerve is the sixth cranial nerve (CN VI).
This nerve has only a motor function and lacks a sensory function.
The specific area that this cranial nerve comes from is called the abducens nucleus.
It then:
A small branch of the abducens nerve also connects to the contralateral medial rectus muscle.
This allows for simultaneous side-to-side movement of your eyes.
Abducens nerve palsy symptoms cause the eye to droop inward as if crossed.
Cranial nerves originate from the brain and brainstem and perform functions in your face and throat.
It also helps your eyes to move together.
The abducens nerve functions entirely as a motor nerve, key to mobility and motion rather than sensation.
When problems arise with the abducens nerve, other nerves often are involved.
Anatomical Variations
Many nerves have known anatomical variations.
These are important for healthcare providers to know so they can make an accurate diagnosis of a condition.
It’s key information when planning surgery, for avoid damaging a nerve.
The abducens nerve has a few known variations.
Downward pressure on the brainstem is a common cause of abducens damage.
However,diabetic neuropathyand cavernous sinus problems are likely to affect many nerves beyond the abducens.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of abducens nerve damage involves the identification of the underlying cause.
A person should see a specialist to evaluate for the underlying cause of the abducens nerve palsy.
Treatment
Treatment of the abducens nerve varies, depending on the cause and the person’s age.
In children, treatment focuses on training the eye to restore proper movement.
Most cases resolve on their own.
When that doesnt happen, the treatment is determined based on what caused the palsy.
It is the sixth cranial nerve.
A number of health conditions or injuries can lead to damage, called abducens nerve palsy.
Infections are common, as is damage from interrupted blood flow.
Some cases are present at birth, and both children and adults can be affected.
2023 Nov 9. doi:10.4103/singaporemedj.SMJ-2022-222
Cedars-Sinai.Sixth Nerve Palsy.
2017;30(7):873877. doi:10.1002/ca.22918
