Pseudo-Graefe's sign: a manifestation of aberrant regeneration of the fourth cranial nerve?

The phenomena involved in paradoxical upper lid retraction have been observed during recovery from paralysis of the third cranial nerve (CN). One of these phenomena is pseudo-Graefe's sign or Fuch's sign, which is characterized by elevation or retraction of the upper eyelid when the eye is looking downwards and inwards. This synkinesis is caused by an aberrant regeneration of newly formed axons of the third CN that subsequently reach muscles not originally connected with them. Pseudo-Graefe's sign may occur after congenital or acquired diseases. Acquired forms occur more frequently and result from paralysis of the third CN following various intracranial diseases: aneurysms, traumas and tumors.