The Third, Fourth and Sixth Cranial Nerves

Abstract

This group of three cranial nerves controls the upper eyelid, eye movements and pupils. Each has a long intracranial course. Due to this they are subject to damage by a wide range of disease processes at various sites. A careful history and clinical examination will usually provide all the information necessary for accurate diagnosis. Difficulty in remembering the actions of the various extraocular muscles and their nerve supply is a universal problem, and therefore these aspects are covered extensively in this chapter.