Sixth nerve palsy - Window to a dreaded brain tumor in children (pontine glioma)

Pontine glioma is a rare tumor and exclusively occurs in children. It originates from the glial (connective/supporting) cells of the brain. In children, they are the leading cause of deaths from brain tumors. The usual age of presentation is later half of first decade. Most of the children die within 18 months of diagnosis. It mostly affects 6th and 7th cranial nerves along with hearing defect.