“Sentinel Oculomotor Nerve Palsy”: A Harbinger of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a life-threatening condition most commonly caused by aneurysmal rupture. Sentinel headaches, often described as the “worst headache of life” or a “thunderclap headache,” are critical warning signs that may precede SAH. However, atypical headaches can complicate early...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Case Reports in Neurological Medicine
Main Author: Vijay Renga
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-01-01
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/crnm/6786272
Description
Summary:Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a life-threatening condition most commonly caused by aneurysmal rupture. Sentinel headaches, often described as the “worst headache of life” or a “thunderclap headache,” are critical warning signs that may precede SAH. However, atypical headaches can complicate early diagnosis. Oculomotor nerve palsy, though rare, may occur as a complication of both aneurysmal and nonaneurysmal SAH. We report a unique case of a 64-year-old woman who initially presented with atypical headache followed by isolated oculomotor nerve palsy, preceding the onset of a nonaneurysmal SAH. This case highlights isolated oculomotor palsy as a potential unrecognized sentinel sign of SAH.
ISSN:2090-6676