Ocular neuromyotonia in Graves dysthyroid orbitopathy

S. M. Chung, A. G. Lee, J. B. Holds, G. Roper-Hall and O. A. Cruz
Anheuser Busch Eye Institute, St Louis University School of Medicine, Mo, USA.

OBJECTIVES: To describe 2 patients with ocular neuromyotonia in association with Graves orbitopathy and to consider the possible underlying mechanisms. DESIGN: Description of the clinical findings in 2 patients with these conditions. SETTING: Neuro-ophthalmology referral centers. PATIENTS: Two patients, aged 55 and 52 years, had episodic, involuntary periods of vertical diplopia and dysthyroid orbitopathy. INTERVENTION: Treatment with carbamazepine in one patient and external beam radiation therapy in the second patient. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency and duration of episodic spasms of the extraocular muscles. RESULTS: Although radiation therapy is the most common association with ocular neuromyotonia, it cannot explain the involuntary contractions of extraocular muscles in all affected patients. Other mechanisms must be involved, such as those discussed in this article. CONCLUSION: Ocular neuromyotonia is described in 2 patients with dysthyroid orbitopathy, confirming previous findings. Possible mechanisms are given.