Question

A 58-year-old woman presents with acute onset of double vision. On examination, she has left-sided ptosis, diplopia, and the left eye is abducted and down when attempting to look right. Which of the following cranial nerves is most likely affected?

a. Cranial nerve III
b. Cranial nerve VIII
C Cranial nerve IV
d. Cranial nerve VI
e. Cranial nerve VII

Answer 1

The most likely cranial nerve affected is cranial nerve VI, also known as the abducens nerve.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the clinical presentation described, the most likely cranial nerve affected in this case is cranial nerve VI. Cranial nerve VI, also known as the abducens nerve, innervates the lateral rectus muscle, which is responsible for abduction of the eye. In this patient, the left eye is abducted and downward when attempting to look right, suggesting a dysfunction in the cranial nerve VI.