gaze palsy
Inability to move both eyes conjugately in a specific direction due to dysfunction of supranuclear gaze control mechanisms.
Full Definition
Gaze palsy refers to the impaired ability to move both eyes together (conjugate gaze) in one or more directions, resulting from lesions affecting supranuclear gaze centers rather than individual ocular motor nerves. Horizontal gaze palsy typically results from pontine lesions affecting the paramedian pontine reticular formation (PPRF), while vertical gaze palsies often indicate midbrain pathology involving the rostral interstitial nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus (riMLF) or posterior commissure. Unlike cranial nerve palsies, gaze palsies affect both eyes equally and spare individual muscle function.
Usage
Usage note: Specify direction (horizontal, vertical, or combined) and distinguish from individual cranial nerve palsies.
In Context
- "The patient demonstrated a complete horizontal gaze palsy to the right with preserved vertical eye movements." — Stroke evaluation
- "Vertical gaze palsy with intact horizontal movements suggested a midbrain lesion involving the posterior commissure." — Neuroimaging correlation