Tolosa Hunt Syndrome, a painful ophthalmoplegia

Abstract Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (STH) is a rare disease characterized by sudden onset unilateral painful ophthalmoplegia caused by non-specific granulomatous inflammation in the cavernous sinus or superior orbital fissure (or both). Ophthalmoparesis occurs when the cranial nerves III, IV and VI are affected by inflammation. Pupillary dysfunctions may be present and is related to involvement of the sympathetic fibers that pass through the cavernous sinus in the portion of the internal carotid artery or parasympathetic fibers around the oculomotor nerve. The involvement of the first branch of the trigeminal can cause paresthesia corresponding to the distribution from the first branch (forehead). Rarely, there may be extension of inflammation beyond the cavernous sinus or superior orbital fissure and may also affect the optic nerve. There is a good response with the use of corticosteroids and there may be spontaneous remissions. Relapses occur in 40% of cases. The disease is most common after the second decade of life. It affects both genders equally. The present study is a case report of a patient who presented with painful ophthalmoplegia of sudden onset on the right with 4 days of evolution followed by ipsilateral amaurosis after one day of onset of pain.