Purpose: To evaluate the treatment by injection of botulinum toxin in acquired sixth and third nerve palsies. Methods: Fifteen patients were treated with botulinum toxin. They were studied prospectively during nine months, between August, 1998 and May, 1999. In addition to the strabismus examination, a complete ophthalmological evaluation was performed. The patients were followed for 2 to 7 months after the last injection or surgical procedure. Results: Eleven patients (73%) presented with sixth nerve palsy and four (27%) with third nerve palsy. Six cases were acute (40%) and 9 cases (60%) were chronic. Five acute cases (83%) obtained ocular alignment and controlled the deviation with toxin. Two of nine chronic cases (22%) obtained orthotropia after the last injection. Seven chronic cases were treated with toxin and surgery; 4 of these (46%) obtained acceptable ocular aligment and the remaining three cases (32%) did not obtain ocular aligment with this treatment. Conclusion: The toxin was the best treatment for the cases that had residual muscle function and good potential for fusion after sixth and third nerve palsies, because it controlled the deviation and then fusion was obtained without surgery.
Botulinum toxin; Acquired paralytic strabismus
