Aberrant Regeneration of the 3rd Nerve

Aberrant regeneration of the third cranial nerve, also known as oculomotor synkinesis, is a rare condition that occurs following damage to the third cranial nerve. This nerve is responsible for controlling the movement of the eye muscles that control eyelid and pupil movement. When the nerve is damaged, it can cause a range of symptoms, including drooping eyelids, double vision, and pupil dilation.

In some cases, the nerve can regenerate abnormally, leading to involuntary and inappropriate movement of the eyelids, pupils, or both. This can occur due to a misdirection of nerve fibers during the healing process, causing the muscles that control eyelid movement to become connected to the muscles that control pupil size or vice versa.

The abnormal movements can occur spontaneously or in response to certain triggers, such as changes in lighting conditions or facial expressions. While there is no cure for aberrant regeneration of the third cranial nerve, treatment options such as prism glasses, botulinum toxin injections, or surgical correction may help alleviate some of the symptoms.
Aberrant Regeneration of the 3rd Nerve