Three cases of cranial polineuropathy similar to those published by Hunt and col.³ under the name of "Painfull ophtalmoplegia" are reported. The syndrome was first described by Tolosa7 in 1954. The underlying pathology is a chronic inflammatory process which involves the dura-mater of the base of the skull, specially at the cavernous sinus. The three cases here reported were seen over a period of only 4 months, suggesting that this syndrome is more prevalent in Brazil than one might think. The prognosis as to recovery, is good but recurrences are frequent. The differencial diagnosis is discussed.