Which cranial nerves are commonly affected in SOF syndrome?

In the context of the Superior Orbital Fissure (SOF) syndrome, the cranial nerves that are most commonly affected include cranial nerves III, IV, and VI. These nerves are responsible for controlling eye movements and any dysfunction can lead to significant deficits in ocular mobility.

Cranial nerve III (oculomotor nerve) is particularly important as it innervates most extraocular muscles, allowing for various movements such as elevation, adduction, and depression of the eyeball. Dysfunction may lead to issues like ptosis (drooping of the eyelid) and opthalmoplegia (inability to move the eye properly).

Cranial nerve IV (trochlear nerve) innervates the superior oblique muscle, which helps in rotating the eye downwards and medially. Damage to this nerve can result in vertical diplopia, where a patient may see double images vertically.

Cranial nerve VI (abducens nerve) is responsible for lateral gaze by innervating the lateral rectus muscle. If this nerve is compromised, it can lead to an inability to abduct the eye on the affected side, resulting in medial strabismus (crossed eyes).

Thus, in SOF syndrome,