Do Duane syndrome patients have non-ocular medical problems?
The problem with the cranial nerve is usually an isolated condition and the child is otherwise completely normal. However, some patients with Duane syndrome have other problems, such as hearing impairment, Goldenhar syndrome, spinal and vertebral abnormalities. There is also an increased frequency of Duane syndrome in patients with thalidomide exposure. When is Duane syndrome treated? For the majority of patients, Duane syndrome does not require surgical treatment. Surgery for Duane syndrome is indicated for one of three reasons: • To reduce strabismus • To eliminate a socially unacceptable head position • To eliminate a significant upshoot or downshoot. The goal of treatment is to restore satisfactory eye alignment in the straight-ahead position, eliminate an abnormal head posture and to prevent amblyopia. In most cases, eye muscle surgery is required. Because the function of the affected nerve and muscle cannot be restored, the other eye muscles are adjusted to compensate and allow f
