Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy Symptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More

Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy Overview

Definition
Symptoms
Treatments
Top Doctors
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Learn About Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy

What is the definition of Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy?

Fourth cranial nerve palsy, also know as superior oblique palsy, is a condition where the nerve that serves a muscle in the eye is weak, causing a misalignment of the eyes. The condition can affect one or both eyes. Causes can be congenital (most common type), such as a misshapen skull, or acquired, such as trauma from a concussion or whiplash injury. Rarer causes are stroke, tumor, or aneurysm (ruptured blood vessel). The congenital condition is more common in young males.

What are the symptoms of Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy?

The most common symptom of fourth cranial nerve palsy is eye misalignment. Other symptoms may include double vision (several types, such as vertical or horizontal), due to eye misalignment, and head tilting.

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What are the current treatments for Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy?

Treatment for fourth cranial nerve palsy first addresses the underlying condition. A period of 6 months waiting time may be used as an initial treatment to see if the palsy (weakness) resolves on its own, during which patients may wear prism glasses or an eye patch. Following treatments focus on improving double vision and head tilting, as well as alleviating the cosmetic concerns of eye misalignment, and may include eye muscle surgery on one or both eyes.

Who are the top Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy Local Doctors?

Advanced in Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy

Dr. Alina V. Dumitrescu

Ophthalmology

Advanced in Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy

Dr. Alina V. Dumitrescu

Ophthalmology

State University Of Iowa

200 Hawkins Dr,

Iowa City, IA

319-356-1616

Languages Spoken:

English, Romanian

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Accepting New Patients

Alina Dumitrescu is an Ophthalmologist in Iowa City, Iowa. Dr. Dumitrescu is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy. Her top areas of expertise are Albinism, Strabismus, X-Linked Infantile Nystagmus, and Brown Syndrome. Dr. Dumitrescu is currently accepting new patients.

Experienced in Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy

Dr. Gerald G. Striph

Ophthalmology

Experienced in Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy

Dr. Gerald G. Striph

Ophthalmology

3330 Meijer Dr Ste 1,

Toledo, OH

419-578-2020

Languages Spoken:

English, French

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Accepting New Patients

Gerald Striph is an Ophthalmologist in Toledo, Ohio. Dr. Striph is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy. His top areas of expertise are Strabismus, Episcleritis, Cataract, and Optic Atrophy Type 1. Dr. Striph is currently accepting new patients.

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Distinguished in Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy

Dr. Jonathan M. Holmes

Ophthalmology

Distinguished in Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy

Dr. Jonathan M. Holmes

Ophthalmology

Banner-University Medical Group

707 N Alvernon Way, Suite 301,

Tucson, AZ

520-694-1460

Languages Spoken:

English

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Accepting New Patients

Offers Telehealth

Jonathan Holmes is an Ophthalmologist in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Holmes is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy. His top areas of expertise are Strabismus, Brown Syndrome, Amblyopia, Cataract Removal, and Trabeculectomy. Dr. Holmes is currently accepting new patients.

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What are the latest Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy Clinical Trials?

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What are the Latest Advances for Fourth Cranial Nerve Palsy?

Secondary Brown's syndrome following fourth nerve palsy - case series and review of literature.

Journal: Strabismus

Published: October 06, 2025