That's the thing about nerves, they just can't take out the ones people keep getting on...apparently, you might need them. Dammit.
The fourth cranial nerve in my left eye was permanently damaged when I was an involuntary crash test dummy in 2007. When I came out of the coma I had split double vision over 100% of my field of view, so I saw two of everything, but since that nerve is damaged, my left eye moves in & down and not in tandem with my right eye. Instead of there being two of what I'm looking at on the same level in an average size room, the left image is 2' to 4' lower and slightly canted with the top in and the bottom out than the one on the right. I did eye exercises several hours a day for around 5 years to try to get it functioning again. I was able to get around 70% of my field of vision back, though I still see two of everything at different heights every time I look to my right. I'm kinda used to it and I'll sometimes close my left eye if it starts acting up. People often ask if I have a bug in my eye or something. It's a bitch trying to look in the rear view mirror and figure out which image is right.
Each of the (6) eye doctors I've seen has me do the "follow the pen" deal with my eyes and they always call in assistants and other doctors to see it happen, like it's some kind of amusement. I'm used to that by now too. Without fail, they break out two identical images, then have me arrange them to match what I see. It messes with their minds. They also want to know which one I'm looking at. I'm grateful for modern medicine, because 25 or more years ago, it just would have been too bad. I'd probably be wearing a crash helmet full time and riding the short school bus. Enjoy every day you get Y'all.
Kevin, is a neurologist doing your surgery since it's in the neck? I had C-4, 5, & 6 fused where they had to go in through the front. My neurologist was Dr. Dennis Bullard, who did a great job. Even though I lost some range of motion, I'm pretty dang functional and moderately pain-free.
Jim
