Trigeminal neuralgia and persistent trigeminal artery

We report a case of trigeminal neuralgia caused by persistent trigeminal artery (PTA) associated with asymptomatic left temporal cavernoma. Our patient presented unstable blood hypertension and the pain of typical trigeminal neuralgia over the second and third divisions of the nerve in the right side of the face. The attacks were often precipitated during physical exertion. MRI and Angio-MRI revealed the persistent carotid basilar anastomosis and occasionally left parietal cavernoma. After drug treatment of blood hypertension, spontaneous recovery of neuralgia was observed and we planned surgical treatment of left temporal cavernoma.     

Trigeminal neuralgia caused by contralateral supratentorial meningioma

Most trigeminal neuralgia is attributable to vascular compression of the root entry zone of the trigeminal nerve at the pons. Only about 5-10% of trigeminal neuralgia cases are caused by direct compression by ipsilateral cerebellopontine angle tumors. Trigeminal neuralgia caused by contralateral posterior fossa tumors are extremely rare. Cases in which neuralgia is caused by a contralateral supratentorial tumor have been seldom reported. This report describes a case of large meningioma in the left occipital region. The patient's right facial pain subsided gradually after tumor excision. This neuralgia is likely due to a displaced adjacent vessel that developed following brainstem distortion by the tumor.     

Trigeminal neuralgia in a patient with Dandy-Walker malformation.

BACKGROUND: Trigeminal neuralgia may be idiopathic or secondary to a number of cranial pathologies. We report a novel case of trigeminal neuralgia associated with Dandy-Walker malformation, which may be an etiologic factor. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 32-year-old male presented with shock-like pain in the somatosensory distribution of the right trigeminal nerve, which was refractory to all medication. MRI revealed a cystic lesion in the posterior fossa and a hypoplastic vermis. The pain was diagnosed as trigeminal neuralgia and was thought to be secondary to the Dandy-Walker malformation. The trigeminal neuralgia was treated successfully with radiofrequency thermocoagulation rhizotomy (RF-TR). CONCLUSION: Trigeminal neuralgia may be associated with Dandy-Walker malformation, however an etiological relationship is not proven. We suggest that traction on the trigeminal nerve may be significant. The posterior fossa cyst of Dandy-Walker malformation may be a complicating factor when considering microvascular decompression to treat the trigeminal neuralgia. Collapse of the cyst at surgery may destabilize the posterior fossa and further deform the trigeminal nerve. We suggest that RF-TR, which is minimally invasive and reliable, may be preferable.     

Successful vascular decompression in an 11-year-old patient with trigeminal neuralgia

Case report We present the case of an 11-year-old boy who was suffering distinct trigeminal neuralgia. At the age of 3 years, the patient had contracted a severe Epstein–Barr virus infection and developed mild meningoencephalitis. Magnetic resonance imaging scans showed a slight enhancement in the pontomesencephalic cistern as well as a neurovascular conflict at the right trigeminal nerve. Intraoperatively, thickened fibrous tissue was found that was attached to both the trigeminal nerve and the superior cerebellar artery. Microvascular decompression using Gore Tex as tissue implant brought immediate relief. Discussion Trigeminal neuralgia in pediatric patients is very rare. We present a case of typical trigeminal neuralgia in a child, demonstrating the pathogenesis of the neurovascular conflict due to subarachnoidal adhesions after meningoencephalitis.     

Cerebellopontine angle cysticercus and concurrent vascular compression in a case of trigeminal neuralgia

The authors present the case of a 59-year-old woman with an 8 months history of lancinating pain and hyphestesia on the right side of the face along with hearing impairment. She had poor tolerance to carbamazepine. A non-enhancing cystic image was observed at the right cerebellopontine angle on magnetic resonance imaging. The patient underwent surgery. Through a right retromastoid minicraniectomy and under microscopic magnification the VII and VIII cranial nerve complex was found involved by multiple adhesions around a cysticercus. After the cyst was removed a loop of the anteroinferior cerebellar artery was identified compressing the V right nerve at its root entry zone. Decompression was performed by the insertion of a Teflon implant. The postoperative course was uneventful and trigeminal neuralgia (TN) disappeared after surgery. Five previous cases of cranial nerve hyperactive dysfunction syndromes, four of trigeminal neuralgia and one of hemifacial spasm associated to cerebellopontine angle cysticercosis are briefly commented. We suggest that in some of these cases microvascular compression was probably present, and during surgery of cerebellopontine angle cysticercus by either trigeminal neuralgia or hemifacial spasm, vascular compression must be carefully searched and treated when found.     

Idiopathic bilateral trigeminal neuralgia treated by bilateral microvascular decompression

Idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia is the most common type of cranial neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia is a form of facial pain characterized by proximal lancinating pain confined to the somatosensory distribution of the trigeminal nerve. Bilateral trigeminal neuralgia is a rare situation with an incidence of 1% to 6% in large trigeminal neuralgia series. There is no single or standard method for the treatment of bilateral trigeminal neuralgia. Microvascular decompression for treatment trigeminal neuralgia is an effective and relatively safe method in older patients. We report a rare case of bilateral trigeminal neuralgia treated by bilateral microvascular decompression.     

三叉神经痛显微血管减压术中非动脉压迫因素的处理策略

目的探讨三叉神经痛显微血管减压术中非动脉性压迫因素的处理对策,以提高手术效果。方法回顾性分析150例三叉神经痛显微血管减压术术中资料。根据不同的原因,单独或联合采取压迫静脉电凝切断、蛛网膜松解以感觉根纵向梳理术等处理方法。结果岩静脉接触或压迫18例,所有病例均将岩静脉电凝、切断,12例同时进行三叉神经感觉根纵向梳理术。岩静脉接触或压迫合并蛛网膜粘连8例,岩静脉电凝、切断同时行三叉神经颅内段全长蛛网膜粘连松解术。单纯蛛网膜肥厚、粘连5例,全部行三叉神经颅内段全长蛛网膜粘连松解术,同时进行三叉神经感觉根纵向梳理术。既无静脉压迫,也无蛛网膜粘连3例,均行三叉神经感觉根纵向梳理术。术后随访6个月至2年,疼痛消失者32例,2例明显缓解;3例出现面部轻度麻木,半年后消失;1例不全面瘫1年后恢复;1例术侧听力减退,1年后无恢复。结论三叉神经痛显微血管减压术中非动脉性致痛因素处理更为复杂,术中针对不同的原因,单独或联合采用压迫静脉电凝切断、蛛网膜松解、感觉根纵向梳理术,可望取得理想的止痛效果。     

Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia as a cause of trigeminal neuralgia: the role of microvascular decompression. Case report

Our purpose is to report a case of trigeminal neuralgia caused by vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia treated with microvascular decompression. A 63-year-old man sought treatment for a recurrent lancinating left facial pain in V2 and V3 trigeminal territories. The computed tomography angiography revealed a mechanical compression of the left trigeminal nerve due to vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia. The patient was submitted to a left suboccipital craniotomy. Shredded Teflon was introduced in the conflicting neurovascular area, achieving a satisfactory decompression. The patients pain resolved immediately. Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia is a rare cause of trigeminal neuralgia and a successful outcome can be achieved with microvascular decompression.     

A case with trigeminal herpes zoster manifesting a long lesion of the spinal trigeminal nucleus and tract on MR T2-weighted image]

We reported a 53-year-old man with the right trigeminal herpes zoster with preceding neuralgia (preherpetic neuralgia) in the right upper cervical nerve area. He developed dysesthesia and scapular pain in the right second cervical nerve area. 5 days later, herpes zoster emerged in the area of the right maxillary division of trigeminal nerve. Furthermore, he developed paralysis on the right facial muscle on the 12th day after the onset of scapular pain. Neurological examination revealed decrease in superficial sensation accompanied by pain and dysesthesia in the areas innervated by the right maxillary division of trigeminal nerve and the right second cervical nerve, and the right peripheral facial nerve palsy. Any rash was not observed in the right second cervical nerve area throughout the course. The cerebrospinal fluid showed a mild mononuclear pleocytosis. The antibody titer for varicella zoster virus (VZV) was elevated in both cerebrospinal fluid and blood serum. T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) image revealed a continuously long high-signal lesion corresponding to the right spinal trigeminal nucleus and tract, extending from the lower pons to the second cervical segment of the spinal cord. This lesion could have resulted from a centripetal migration of VZV from the Gasser ganglion to the spinal trigeminal nucleus and tract, which was probably related to the preherpetic neuralgia in the upper cervical nerve area without rash.     

The significance of three-dimensional MR-defined neurovascular compression for the pathogenesis of trigeminal neuralgia

Three-dimensional MR tomography was used to examine the relationship between symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia and neurovascular compression of the nerve in 18 patients. The intensity of neurovascular interaction was classified according to neuroradiological criteria. We found that a radiologically defined compression or dislocation of the nerve by an artery was always associated with symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia. A simple contanct between vessel and nerve, however, was also observed on the asymptomatic sides of 10 out of 18 patients. In 6 of 18 patients, in contrast, trigeminal neuralgia was present in spite of the absence of neurovascular contact. In accordance with a cited study based on autopsy and intraoperative findings, our findings indicate that, in a certain proportion of cases, trigeminal neuralgia may be caused by neurovascular compression alone, whereas in other cases, other pathogenetic factors may be involved to a varying degree or be even exclusively responsible for the development of trigeminal neuralgia. The possible significance of the method for a preoperative estimation of the success of microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve is discussed.     

Trigeminal neuralgia in a patient with mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE).

Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) is an autosomal-recessive disease associated with multiple deletions of mitochondrial DNA in skeletal muscle. MNGIE is a multisystem syndrome affecting muscle, peripheral, and central nervous systems and the gastrointestinal tract. A 25-year-old man is presented with 3 years history of right sided trigeminal neuralgia. He has been diagnosed as MNGIE based on clinical, neurophysiological and pathological findings. He had also received medical therapy and two radiofrequency thermocoagulations for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Gamma Knife radiosurgery was performed and resulted in partial relief. To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature of MNGIE with trigeminal neuralgia. An analogy is suggested between multiple sclerosis and MNGIE as a cause for trigeminal neuralgia in this patient.     

Neuroendoscopic anatomy and surgery of the cerebellopontine angle.

To probe the feasibility and utility of neuroendoscopic inspection of the anatomy of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) and of neuroendoscopic assisted microneurosurgery (NEAMN) for CPA lesions via a retrosigmoid approach, we used retrosigmoid NEAMN in 28 patients with CPA lesions. Prior to this, we undertook anatomical observation of bilateral CPA in two adult cadaver heads using the neuroendoscope. NEAMN tumour resection was performed in eight acoustic neuromas, one meningioma and 14 cholesteatomas and NEAMN vascular decompression was performed in five patients with trigeminal neuralgia. Both the neurovascular structures of the CPA and the ventral surface of the pons, as well as the clivus, can be inspected using the neuroendoscope through a retrosigmoid approach with a 2-3 cm diameter bony opening. Complete excision of the tumour with preservation of the facial nerve was achieved in all eight acoustic neuromas. Likewise, total resection of the tumour was possible in the 14 cholesteatomas and one meningioma. Paroxysmal facial pain resolved after NEAMN vascular decompression in the five patients with trigeminal neuralgia. There were no postoperative complications or deaths in this series. The CPA can be divided into three levels - the cranial, medial, and caudal, and each level contains specific neurovascular structures as seen through the neuroendoscope. Knowledge of these divisions is useful to master the common NEAMN procedures of the CPA. NEAMN for CPA lesions via a retrosigmoid approach is a useful adjunct to standard microneurosurgical techniques effect and may decrease the operative risk.     

Familial trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia in its classic form is usually an isolated disease that occurs in sporadic fashion, but familial cases have been described. We report the case of a 45-year-old man who presented with left V2 trigeminal neuralgia. The neurological examination was normal and imaging and laboratory investigations were non-contributive to the etiological work-up. Carbamazepine gave excellent symptomatic relief. During patient evaluation, we became aware of a clustering of trigeminal neuralgia in four other family members over three generations. Familial trigeminal neuralgia has been expounded on in fewer than 30 reports in the literature. Our cases and the literature review suggest an autosomal dominant transmission. The clinical features of familial trigeminal neuralgia are described and pathophysiological implications of this genetic clustering discussed.     

支架成形术治疗椎基底动脉冗扩性三叉神经痛1例

目的总结血管内治疗椎基底动脉冗扩（VBD）致三叉神经痛的经验。方法对1例VBD致三叉神经痛病例采用多支架植入治疗,并对比分析手术前后MRI表现,探讨其可能的治疗机制。结果术后病人三叉神经痛明显改善,冗扩血管段支架内血流增快,支架外血流淤滞,血栓形成。结论支架植入后的局部血液动力学改变可能是三叉神经痛缓解的基础,支架成形术治疗VBD致三叉神经痛值得尝试。     

Resolution of trigeminal neuralgia following pontine haemorrhage

Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by paroxysms of pain in the sensory distribution of the trigeminal nerve usually caused by vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve at the root entry zone. We describe a 57-year-old woman who experienced complete resolution of trigeminal neuralgia following hypertensive pontine haemorrhage.     

Chronic facial pain due to a brainstem cavernoma

Idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia is almost always associated with pathological nerve/vessel contact. Symptomatic forms of trigeminal neuralgia include cases of multiple sclerosis, infratentorial tumours and postherpetic neuralgia. Vascular malformations causing neuralgia have rarely been reported. We present the case of a 55-year old woman, who suffered from facial pain and ptosis on her left side. Repeated neurological examinations as well as repeated magnetic resonance imaging did not lead to a definite diagnosis or therapy. The pain suddenly stopped three weeks before admission and only a slight left sided facial hypaesthesia persisted. Reevaluating the older MRI we found a small signal alteration of 2 mm in the caudal part of the left trigeminal nucleus. A new MRI showed a subacute haemorrhage into a small brainstem cavernoma, which must have caused the pain and later on the hypaesthesia. Small vascular malformations are a rare cause of neuropathic facial pain.     

Trigeminal neuralgia triggered by auditory stimuli in multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a patient with a demyelinating brainstem lesion who developed right-sided trigeminal neuralgia triggered by auditory stimuli and to discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this unusual phenomenon. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Referral center. PATIENT: A 27-year-old man who presented with clinical signs of a brainstem lesion developed right-sided trigeminal neuralgia triggered by auditory stimuli to the right ear. Magnetic resonance imaging and electrophysiological studies demonstrated a demyelinating lesion in the pons affecting the right lateral lemniscus and the right trigeminal pathway. This phenomenon completely subsided within 4 days. After a relapse, the diagnosis of clinically definite multiple sclerosis was made. CONCLUSION: Lateral spread of impulse activity within the demyelinating pontine lesion is the likely explanation for the unusual phenomenon of trigeminal neuralgia triggered by auditory stimuli.     

Cerebellopontine angle epidermoids presenting with trigeminal neuralgia.

We studied the clinical characteristics of cerebellopontine angle (CPA) epidermoids presenting with trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Twenty-four patients were analyzed retrospectively and the literature reviewed with regard to clinical manifestation, imaging features, surgical procedures and prognosis. TN may be the initial symptom of CPA epidermoid, particularly in young patients. Epidermoids are characteristically hypodense nonenhancing lesions on CT scans, while on MRI they exhibit long T1 and T2 relaxation times. Although complete removal is ideal in the surgical management of CPA epidermoid, proximity to cranial nerves and the brain stem may pose technical difficulties in complete resection. In addition to complete resection of the tumour, arterial compression at the root entry zone (REZ) of the trigeminal nerve should be sought, and if found, a microvascular decompression (MVD) should be performed. Cranial nerve dysfunction and aseptic meningitis are the most common operative complications.     

显微血管减压术治疗多根颅神经疾患

目地探讨显微血管减压术治疗同一病人并存多根颅神经疾患病例的疗效。方法采用显微血管减压术治疗同一病人并存多根颅神经疾患病例。包括同侧三叉神经痛合并舌咽神经痛12例,同侧三叉神经痛合并面肌痉挛3例,同侧舌咽神经痛合并面肌痉挛2例,双侧三叉神经痛3例,双侧面肌痉挛2例,双侧舌咽神经痛1例。结果术后总有效率100%,治愈率97.83%(45/46),平均随访30.57个月,治愈率97.83%(45/46),仅1例次三叉神经痛复发,再次手术后治愈。结论显微血管减压术是治疗同一病人并存多根颅神经疾患病例安全有效的显微外科手术方法。     

左侧三叉神经痛、面肌痉挛、原发性高血压共同发生一例报告并文献复习

目的探讨左侧三叉神经痛、面肌痉挛、原发性高血压三者共同发生的发病机制、治疗和预后。方法手术治疗1例左侧三叉神经痛、面肌痉挛、原发性高血压共同发生的男性患者，并结合文献进行分析。结果此病例左三叉神经痛、面肌痉挛、原发性高血压与扩张迂曲椎一基底动脉压迫之间存在因果关系，行显微血管减压术后病人三叉神经痛、面肌痉挛消失，血压正常，无并发症。结论左三叉神经痛、面肌痉挛、原发性高血压三者共同发生患者少见，其与血管压迫之间存在因果关系，血管减压术是有效的治疗方法。