A syndrome of acute periorbital pain, followed by the onset of ophthalmoplegia, has, in recent years, been recognised as a distinct entity. Six patients conforming to this clinical picture are presented from Zambia, and the characteristics of the syndrome is described. Attention is drawn to the existence of the condition in Arica and to its dramatic improvement with systemic steroid treatment. Particularly in those areas with limited investigatory facilities, the use of steroids can constitute a therapeutic test.