fourth nerve Palsy

[Drake701]

I was just diagnosed with fourth nerve Palsy, I did see my Physican today with another symptom besides double vision, I have numbness below the eye in question around the check bone and a little lower.
Could this be that it's spreading to the fifth nerve & is that serious? What is the treatment?
I was told I have to wear Mono vision contacts instead of bifocal contacts which of course I don't see as well with the Mono. I am very interested in the cure if any & if it could get worse & what happens.
Also how do you get this?
Thank you

[Drake701]

Thank you for your comments, this onset of fourth nerve palsy is unknow I have had non of the above situations.& I  have had all my blood work recently for insurance so they are up to date. I am not over weight actually probably under weight, 102 lbs 57 years old & healthy except for muscular issues :ie frozen shoulder same side as the problem eye & muscle aches in my shoulder blades &  now right shoulder.
as far as the sensation on the same side this is minor although just accured so I have been to the doctor. there is no treatment thus far. This really has been a mystery.
Thank you

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear Drake701,

I would recommend that you seek immediate care if you suspect that you are having issues with sensation, a fifth cranial nerve function along with further.  You do not mention the circumstances in which the fourth nerve palsy was caused ordiagnosed.  Some common causes of fourth nerve palsies include head trauma, underlying structural abnormalities, vascular insufficiency due to diabetes or high blood pressure, thyroid disease, recent cataract surgery, and other neurologic causes such as tumors, aneurysms, or other injuries.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California