title: Congenital ocular motor apraxia. Case reports and literature review.
abstract: Two children with congenital ocular motor apraxia (C-OMA) associated with congenital malformations of the central nervous system (CNS) are presented, and the literature is reviewed. C-OMA is an abnormality of ocular motility characterized by defective or absent voluntary horizontal gaze, associated with a characteristic head thrust. Although not rare, it is infrequently recognized. C-OMA is not a specific disease entity, but a sign. It may be associated with other static congenital CNS disorders and must be distinguished from acquired ocular motor apraxias (A-OMA) seen in progressive brain disorders and in certain serious systemic diseases. Therefore, when movements typical of C-OMA are observed, a careful systemic and neurologic examination should be performed, including immunoglobulin screening, cranial computerized tomography scanning, and adequate follow-up. Close relatives also should be examined.
authors.affiliation: Stanley S. Lamm Institute for Child Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Brooklyn, NY 11201.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: PeBenito
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Cracco
mesh_terms: D061085:Agenesis of Corpus Callosum; D001072:Apraxias / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D001099:Arachnoid / Q000002:abnormalities; D002535:Cerebral Aqueduct / Q000002:abnormalities; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital; D003560:Cysts / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital; D005133:Eye Movements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D009801:Oculomotor Muscles