Ophthalmologists: What's the differential diagnosis between Duane's Syndrome and Congen. Oculomotor Apraxia?

Question

I have a client who has been diagnosed with "Duane's Syndrome", but I am seeing some Apraxic characteristics in gait, gross and fine motor and speech, so I'm wondering if he could have been misdiagnosed.

Answer 1

Not having seen the eye movement, I couldn't possibly say, but the URL below may be helpful.

80% of Duane's cases are unilateral, which I suspect would give a differentiation from oculomotor apraxia.

However, there can be overlapping systemic issues with children with Duane's oculomotor difficulties, so it may not be an instance of either/or.

I don't have much expertise in oculomotor apraxia, but I would perhaps expect distinct head movements uncommon in Duane's syndrome.

Answer 2

Is it apraxia, or ataxia? Motor apraxia has a cortical basis (anterior to the Sylvian Fissure), and ataxia is cerebellar. Oculomotor apraxia is the inability to voluntarily move the eyes in spite of normal vegetative movement. This is true of any apraxia.