abducens nerve

The abducens nerve, also known as cranial nerve VI, is one of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves that originate in the brainstem. Specifically, it emerges from the caudal pons and exits the brainstem at the pons-medulla junction. This nerve's primary function is to innervate the lateral rectus muscle in the orbit, which is responsible for turning the eye outward.1

Damage to the abducens nerve can lead to the eye deviating inward (medially), a condition that can cause double vision, particularly when attempting to look outward. Ophthalmoplegia, or paralysis of the eye muscles, often involves the abducens nerve, along with the oculomotor and trochlear nerves. Causes for abducens nerve issues can include lesions, diabetes, vascular disease, head injury, infection, or neuropathy.123