Supranuclear Disorders of Eye Movements.

Abstract

Objective: This article reviews the basic anatomy and pathophysiology of the supranuclear ocular motor pathways, emphasizing clinical correlations.

Latest developments: More advanced neuroimaging, particularly functional MRI, has yielded insight into previously unclear mechanisms of eye movement control with potential clinical implications. A better understanding of the mechanisms of eye movement control has implications for translational research, resulting in improved and early diagnosis and better treatment options.

Essential points: Dysfunction of the supranuclear ocular motor pathways typically causes highly localizable deficits. With relative ease of access to sophisticated neuroimaging, it is critical to better understand structure-function relationships and precisely localize pathology within the brain. Accurately localizing a lesion in the supranuclear ocular motor pathways might prevent delay in diagnosis and misdiagnosis, and in some cases allow for early recognition of neurodegenerative diseases.