[The Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (author's transl)].

This paper reports 2 cases of the Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome and reviews 70 other cases reported in the literature. Common findings of this syndrome are the recurring painful ophthalmoplegia affecting the 3rd, 4th and 6th cranial nerve, as well as the first branch of the 5th and the optic nerve. No ethiologic factor has so far been found, but is regarded as a non specific inflammation in the area of the sinus cavernosus and adjacent orbital bone. Residual defects in about one third of affected persons is the normal course of the disease. Early diagnosis and initiation of steroid therapy results in quick relief of pain and may influence prognosis.