Recurrent cranio-oculo-facial diabetic complication

Diabetic cranial neuropathy is one of the important complications of diabetes with up to 10-fold increase in incidence. It usually affects 3(rd), 4(th), and 6(th) cranial nerves. Recurrent cranial neuropathy is lesser reported, and its incidence is not very clear. Course is usually benign with spontaneous remission within months. A 47-years diabetic male presented with acute onset diplopia and right sided ptosis with history of 3 previous episodes of sudden facio-ocular complications of diabetes over a period of 5 years all of which had improved completely over 6 to 8 weeks. On examination he was found to have right-sided pupil sparing 3(rd) cranial nerve palsy. Visual acuity was normal. Examination of fundus showed early nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy changes. Motor, sensory system, bladder, and bowel were normal. Blood tests revealed FBS 133 mg%, PPBS 333 mg%, HbA1C 8.8, Creatinine 1.8 mg%, normal electrolytes, and LFT. CSF study showed 4 cells with Protein 68 mg% and Sugar 83 mg%. CT scan of the brain showed normal brain parenchyma. MRI of brain did not reveal any acute infarct or mass lesion and visualized cranial nerves were normal. Other work ups were negative. His sugars were controlled with oral antidiabetic drugs. Patient improved with oral steroids.