Tolosa-Hunt syndrome: one cause of painful ophthalmoplegia.

The author reports 12 cases of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome, a benign steroid-resistant cryptogenic granuloma that presents as painful ophthalmoplegia. This syndrome is differentiated from other causes of painful ophthalmoplegia including tumors, aneurysms, collagen disease, specific infections, mucoceles, and benign granulomas of unknown etiology. These other conditions should be excluded by appropriate tests. Surgical exploration is not necessary if there is a prompt remission on steroid therapy.