Bilateral abducens nerve palsy due to idiopathic intracranial hypertension as an initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a syndrome of increased intracranial pressure and presents as an intractable headache, vomiting, and ophthalmologic manifestations. We herein report the case of a young girl who presented with bilateral abducens nerve palsy due to IIH as the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The patient was successfully treated with corticosteroid therapy. Our case lacked the typical symptoms of IIH, such as headache or nausea; therefore, it is necessary to carefully determine the cause of bilateral abducens nerve palsies. The development of IIH in SLE patients is a rare occurrence, but this manifestation should not be overlooked.