External ophthalmoplegia
Paralysis of the external ocular muscles.
Also called: CPEO, Chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia, Ophthalmoplegia externa, Paralysis or weakness of muscles within or surrounding outer part of eye, Progressive paralysis or weakness of muscles of eye motility, Progressive paralysis or weakness of muscles of eye movement.
Conditions associated with external ophthalmoplegia
The following conditions have been associated with external ophthalmoplegia in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.
Autosomal dominant centronuclear myopathy
Autosomal dominant centronuclear myopathy is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms ...
Autosomal dominant progressive external ophthalmoplegia
Autosomal dominant progressive external ophthalmoplegia is a medical condition that may be associated with var...
Autosomal recessive progressive external ophthalmoplegia
Autosomal recessive progressive external ophthalmoplegia is a medical condition that may be associated with va...
Brown-Vialetto-van Laere syndrome 1
Any Brown-Vialetto-van Laere syndrome in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the SLC52A3 gene....
Centronuclear myopathy 1
Centronuclear myopathy 1 is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Congenital multicore myopathy with external ophthalmoplegia
Congenital multicore myopathy with external ophthalmoplegia is a medical condition that may be associated with...
Isolated succinate-CoQ reductase deficiency
Isolated succinate-CoQ reductase deficiency is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptom...
Miller Fisher syndrome
Miller Fisher syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy
Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy is a medical condition that may be associated with vario...
Zygomycosis
Zygomycosis is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
biotin-responsive basal ganglia disease
Any thiamine-responsive dysfunction syndrome in which the cause of the disease is a variation in the SLC19A3 g...
congenital myopathy 22A, classic
congenital myopathy 22A, classic is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs...
facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy 1
Any facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy associated with contraction of the D4Z4 macrosatellite repeat in th...
mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome 8a
Any mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the RRM2B gene....
oculopharyngodistal myopathy 1
oculopharyngodistal myopathy 1 is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
oculopharyngodistal myopathy 4
oculopharyngodistal myopathy 4 is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
oculopharyngodistal myopathy 5
oculopharyngodistal myopathy 5 is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
sensory ataxic neuropathy, dysarthria, and ophthalmoparesis
A rare mitochondrial disease characterized by adult onset of the triad of sensory ataxic neuropathy, dysarthri...
Tests providers may use to investigate external ophthalmoplegia
When investigating external ophthalmoplegia, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Urinalysis
Examines urine content to help detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes....
Symptoms commonly seen alongside external ophthalmoplegia
Dysphagia
Difficulty in swallowing....
Fatigue
A subjective feeling of tiredness characterized by a lack of energy and motivation....
Fever
Body temperature elevated above the normal range....
Headache
Cephalgia, or pain sensed in various parts of the head, not confined to the area of distribution of any nerve....
Muscle weakness
Reduced strength of muscles....
Seizure
A seizure is an intermittent abnormality of nervous system physiology characterized by a transient occurrence ...
When to seek care
Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if external ophthalmoplegia is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the symptom external ophthalmoplegia mean?
External ophthalmoplegia is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. Paralysis of the external ocular muscles.
Which conditions are associated with external ophthalmoplegia?
External ophthalmoplegia has been reported in association with 18 conditions in the medical literature we index, including Autosomal dominant centronuclear myopathy, Autosomal dominant progressive external ophthalmoplegia, Autosomal recessive progressive external ophthalmoplegia, Brown-Vialetto-van Laere syndrome 1, Centronuclear myopathy 1. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.
Should I see a doctor about external ophthalmoplegia?
You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.