double vision - abducens nerve recovery

[tibordoczi]

My name is Doczi Tibor, I am 26 male. I had a ski accident, 1 month ago, and I hit my head on the back of the left ear. I lost my consciousness for few seconds. I have double vision, but just the left eye is not working correctly, but I have seen some recovery during 1 month.
          My question is, that how important is, to have rest time, because I am in the university and I need to learn?
                   What is the chance, that I will recovery completely?
                   What should I do, for helping my recovery?

Thank You for your help.                                                                    Doczi Tibor, student, Romania

[Neuro Forum]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Without the ability to examine you and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of your symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

It sounds like you sustained a head injury recently, with some loss of consciounesses. Double vision following head injury is not uncommon, and usually means injury to one of the nerves called cranial nerves which innervate the eye muscles. The recovery period depends on the extent of the injury. If the nerve was pulled extensively but is still functioning, some recovery will occur, however in rare case in which it is avulsed (almost torn, due to for example skull fracture) it may not recover.

I recommend that you be evaluated by a neurologist if you have not already done so, with imaging of your brain (ideally, and MRI of your brain) so that the extent of damage can be assessed. Equally important is that you be evaluated by an opthalmologist (eye doctor), and if you have a neuro-opthalmologist in your area, this would be best (a neuro-opthalmologist is an eye doctor that is specialized in neurologic causes of eye problems). The opthalmologist can assess the extent of injury and tell you what the recovery will be, but more importantly, there are a type of glasses called prisms which you can wear to help the double vision. I recommend you discuss these with your doctor.

I also recommend that you avoid any vigorous sports or other activities until you have seen some recovery, but the exact time period will be determined by your neurologist after he/she has determined the extent of injury. Day to day life can otherwise usually be carried out normally.

Thank you for using the forum I hope you find this information useful good luck.

[weesho]

Last October I was in a serious road traffic accident on my motorbike. I was taken to Emergency Room at the hospital with severe head injuries. I had several serious skull fractures & nerve damage. I also had double vision. This improved after 2 months. If you have not been to hospital, I suggest you go.