Trochlear nerve palsy in a boxer after a bout

Abstract

Superior oblique palsy as a result of injury to the cranial nerve (CN) IV (trochlear nerve) is the most frequent isolated CN palsy due to its long intracranial course. Isolated CN IV palsy has not been reported in combat sports. We report here a case of isolated CN IV palsy occurring after a boxing bout. Isolated CN IV palsy may present very subtly in a combat sports athlete and ringside physicians should be aware of its clinical presentation.