Tuberculoma Masquerading as a Sixth Cranial Nerve Palsy in a Young Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a worldwide health concern with a wide range of clinical manifestations. Rarely, it can involve the central nervous system in the form of tuberculomas. Although cranial nerve palsies or localized neurological signs are the most frequent presentations of tuberculoma, isolated sixth nerve palsy is unusual and rare. We report the case of a 17-year-old female who presented with isolated sixth nerve palsy, an unusual early manifestation of intracranial tuberculoma. We established the diagnosis through clinical, radiological, and laboratory evaluations and successfully managed the patient with antitubercular therapy. This case highlights the importance of considering tuberculoma as a differential diagnosis in cases of isolated cranial nerve palsies, especially in regions with a high prevalence of tuberculosis.