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.     

Differences in individual susceptibility affect the development of trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a syndrome due to dysfunctional hyperactivity of the trigeminal nerve,and is characterized by a sudden,usually unilateral,recurrent lancinating pain arising from one or more divisions of the nerve.The most accepted pathogenetic mechanism for trigeminal neuralgia is compression of the nerve at its dorsal root entry zone or in its distal course.In this paper,we report four cases with trigeminal neuralgia due to an unknown mechanism after an intracranial intervention.The onset of trigeminal neuralgia after surgical interventions that are unrelated to the trigeminal nerve suggests that in patients with greater individual susceptibility,nerve contact with the vascular structure due to postoperative pressure and changes in cerebrospinal fluid flow may cause the onset of pain.     

Neuralgia del trigémino clásica familiar

Introduction

The classic form of trigeminal neuralgia is usually sporadic (no familial clustering). However, around 2% of all cases of trigeminal neuralgia may be familial. Describing this entity may be useful for diagnosing this process and may also be key to determining the underlying causes of sporadic classical trigeminal neuralgia. We report on cases in a series of 5 families with at least 2 members with classic trigeminal neuralgia, amounting to a total of 11 cases.

微血管减压术治疗典型及非典型三叉神经痛的疗效对比研究

目的探讨微血管减压术治疗典型及非典型三叉神经痛的不同疗效及其可能机制。方法寸比分析2003～2004年间经微血管减压术治疗的45例典型三又神经痛患者及17例非典型三叉神经痛患者的临床特征、术中所见年口手术疗效。结果45例典型三叉神经痛患者中，平均痛程3．1年，平均发病年龄60．3岁。其中20例（44．4％）患者中疼痛累及三又神经的单一分支，其余25例（55．6％）疼痛均累及2或3个分支。术中见39例（86．7％）为动脉压迫，6例（13．3％）为动脉和静脉混合压迫。术后疼痛完全缓解44例（97．8％），明显减轻1例（2．2）。而在17例非典型三叉神经痛患者中，平均病程8．7年，平均发病年龄55.5岁，疼痛均累及三叉神经的2或3个分支。术中见10例（58．8％）为动脉压迫，7例（41．2％）为动脉年口静脉混合压迫。术后疼痛完全缓解5倒（29.4％），明显减轻10例（58．8％），无效2例（11．8％）。结论微血管减压术治疗典型三叉神经痛的疗效明显优于非典型患者，这可能与典型三叉神经痛患者的病程较短、发病年龄较晚、疼痛多呈单支分布、且以动脉压迫为主以及术中能够实现充分减压有关。     

微血管减压术治疗典型及非典型三叉神经痛的疗效比较

目的比较微血管减压术治疗典型及非典型三叉神经痛的疗效,探讨其机制.方法对比分析62例经微血管减压术治疗的三叉神经痛病人的临床特征、术中所见和手术疗效.其中45例为典型者,17例为不典型者.结果典型病人平均病程3.1年,平均年龄60.3岁;20例（44.4%）疼痛累及三叉神经的单一分支,25例为2～3支痛;术中见39例（86.7%）为动脉压迫,6例为动静脉混合压迫;术后44例（97.8%）疼痛缓解,1例无效.非典型病人平均病程8.7年,平均年龄55.5岁;均为多支疼痛病人;术中见10例（58.8%）为动脉压迫,7例为动静脉混合压迫;术后疼痛缓解5例（29.4%）,减轻10例（58.8%）,无效2例.结论微血管减压术治疗典型三叉神经痛的疗效明显优于非典型者,可能与其病程较短,发病年龄较晚,疼痛多呈单支分布,以动脉压迫为主,且术中能够实现充分减压有关.     

Dyna-CT引导下经皮穿刺三叉神经半月节微球囊压迫术治疗三叉神经痛

目的 探讨Dyna-CT引导下经皮穿刺三叉神经节微球囊压迫术（PBC）治疗三叉神经痛的临床效果。方法 对2017年9月至2018年11月采用Dyna-CT 引导下PBC治疗的17例三叉神经痛的临床资料进行回顾性分析。在Dyna-CT引导下穿刺，颅底3D-CT重建证实穿刺针抵达卵圆孔。通过穿刺针将带导丝CTZ-14球囊导入Meckel腔，球囊压迫三叉神经半月节。结果 住院时间3~9 d，平均5.6 d。术后随访6~12个月。术后症状完全消失14例，明显缓解2例，无缓解1例；总有效率为94.2%（16/17）。术后出现面部麻木15例、咀嚼略乏力9例、眼角干涩2例、口角疱疹5例，均经治疗后痊愈。结论 Dyna-CT 引导下PBC，是针对复发三叉神经痛、高龄、不愿或不能耐受开颅手术的三叉神经痛的有效微创手术方法，具有良好的临床应用价值。     

磁共振对因神经血管压迫致三叉神经痛的诊断价值

目的 分析原发性三叉神经痛患者的MR表现,探讨MRI对因神经血管压迫致原发性三叉神经痛的诊断价值。方法回顾性分析12例三叉神经痛患者的MRI表现,就三叉神经和周围血管的关系与手术结果进行对照分析。结果 12例三叉神经痛患者的MRI资料中,神经血管压迫、接触或可疑接触者11例,占91.7％;该12例患者均行手术,证实血管压迫或接触者12例;故与手术结果对照,MRI诊断三叉神经痛神经血管压迫或接触的敏感性为91.7％。结论 MRI能清晰显示三叉神经脑池段与毗邻血管之间的关系,对三叉神经血管压迫或接触的诊断具有较高的敏感性,对提供术前评估和指导治疗有极其重要的意义。     

经乙状窦后入路三叉神经微血管减压术125例临床分析

目的 总结微血管减压术治疗三叉神经痛的临床经验。方法 术前对125例三叉神经痛患者进行磁共振断层血管成像（MRTA）检查，手术时经乙状窦后锁孔入路，在神经出脑干区寻找责任血管，进行神经、血管的充分游离减压，血管与脑干间置入Teflon棉。结果 术后125例三叉神经痛患者中，121例术后疼痛消失或明显减轻；4例术后症状无明显改善，经射频治疗后疼痛消失。121例随访1～7年，2例两年后复发，总有效率95、2％，其余均无疼痛发作。术后2例出现颅内感染，无永久性并发症出现。结论 头颅MRTA检查有助于术前判断责任血管与神经的关系，手术时在神经出脑干区发现责任血管并进行充分游离减压是手术成功的关键。     

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 evoked potentials in patients with symptomatic trigeminal neuralgia due to intracranial mass lesions.

Trigeminal evoked potentials (TEP) were recorded by electrical stimulation of the lips in 7 patients with symptomatic trigeminal neuralgia due to CT proved mass lesions involving the trigeminal nerve. All the patients showed TEP abnormalities on the affected side. Chronic compression and irritation of the trigeminal nerve may be responsible for these changes. The results obtained were compared with other similar studies and TEP abnormalities observed in idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. As all the patients had unequivocal compression of the trigeminal nerve and all of them had TEP changes, it can be concluded that TEP abnormality is an accurate predictor of trigeminal nerve compression. TEPs may be a valuable aid in demonstrating a compressive element in patients with trigeminal neuralgia.     

Association between trigeminal neuralgia and multiple sclerosis: role of magnetic resonance imaging.

Seven consecutive patients with multiple sclerosis and trigeminal neuralgia were investigated with MRI to determine the occurrence of a lesion which would account for the patients' pain. Two patients had bilateral symptoms. In the patients with unilateral trigeminal neuralgia vascular compression of the nerve by an artery at the root entry zone on the symptomatic side was confirmed in three patients and an epidermoid tumour distorting the nerve on the symptomatic side was identified in one patient. A demyelinating plaque was identified in only one patient, affecting the trigeminal nerve at the root entry zone at the pons. In those with bilateral symptoms neurovascular compression was identified on both sides in one patient and on one side only in the remaining patient. Microvascular decompression cured the pain in two patients with neurovascular compression. The variable aetiology of trigeminal neuralgia is stressed even in patients with coexistent neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, which can cause trigeminal neuralgia independent of other causes.     

A型肉毒毒素治疗难治性三叉神经痛临床观察

目的：评价A型肉毒毒素（BTX-A）治疗难治性三叉神经痛的疗效。方法：选取难治性三叉神经痛患者6例,其中原发性5例,继发性1例。采用视觉模拟评分（VAS）于局部多点注射BTX-A,予治疗前及治疗后2周、2个月和6个月时进行疼痛测评。结果：VAS评分：BTX-A治疗前为（8.86±0.75）分;BTX-A注射后2周和2个月分别降至（1.00±1.26）分和（2.00±2.45）分,与治疗前比,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;6个月时为（5.33±2.16）分,与治疗前比,差异仍有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。6例患者均无明显并发症出现。结论：BTX-A注射治疗难治性三叉神经痛是一种安全有效的新疗法。     

C形臂或CT靶点定位射频治疗三叉神经痛2816例研究简

目的介绍C形臂或CT靶点精确定位卵圆孔半月神经节选择性射频热凝治疗原发性三叉神经痛的手术方法、技巧和效果。方法回顾性分析本组2816例射频治疗病例,术中采用C形臂X线或CT定位,靶点位于卯圆孔半月神经节,射频温控热凝术温度设定65～80℃,时间设定为30—60s。近、远期疗效观察并总结分析并发症。结果本组近期随访病例2760例,疼痛完全消失2661例,总有效率96．41％,2年内复发率192例（6．9％）,无效39例（1．4％）。结论本手术方法弥补了传统的徒手穿刺的缺陷,提高了定位准确性和疗效。对行开颅微血管减压术（MVD）复发或无效的三叉神经痛患者可以做为一项补充治疗。对本病伴有高龄心脑血管疾病的患者仍是一种安全可靠的治疗方法。     

脑干三叉神经诱发电位对三叉神经根部分切断术的临床应用研究

目的 评价脑干三叉神经诱发电位对三叉神经痛病人三叉神经根切断术的临床应用价值.方法 作者研究了36例经术前MRTA及术中探查除外神经血管接触的三叉神经痛病人,在三叉神经感觉根大部切断术过程中,通过术前、中、后记录BTEP以监测三叉神经传导功能;测定BTEP潜伏期及波幅参量的变化指导手术的进程.结果 36例病人患侧BTEP潜伏期延长、波幅降低,提示三叉神经痛患者三叉神经传导功能损害,术中待BTEP呈一直线后,不再继续切断神经根,术后疼痛均缓解,未遗三叉运动功能障碍.结论 脑干三叉神经诱发电位可以指导选择性三叉神经根切断术并防止三叉神经眼支损害的发生.     

Unusual cause for bilateral trigeminal neuralgia: unilateral racemous cysticercus of cerebellopontine angle. Case report

We report the case of a 42-year-old woman with a racemous cystecercus in the right cerebellopontine angle (CPA), who presented with bilateral trigeminal neuralgia. The parasite was completly removed via a right suboccipital craniotomy. On the first postoperative day, the patient indicated that the pain disappeared. The neuralgia was caused by two probable mechanisms: a distortion of the brain stem and compression of the nerve against an arterial loop at the entry zone or arachnoiditis caused by the parasite in the both CPA cisternae. This case demonstrates the advisability of obtaining imaging studies in all patients with trigeminal neuralgia before starting any management. We must always remind that the cysticercus may be a differential diagnosis of CPA lesions.     

神经导航引导经皮穿刺三叉神经半月节射频热凝治疗三叉神经痛的研究

目的 探讨神经导航引导下经皮穿刺三叉神经半月节射频热凝术在治疗三叉神经痛中的应用.方法 选取我科神经导航引导下经皮穿刺三叉神经半月节射频热凝治疗的156例患者资料.所有患者术前均经头部3D-CT薄层连续平扫,并将影像资料导入SteahhStation Tria Plus手术导航系统,图像经三维重建后,确认患侧卵圆孔作为靶点,在导航实时引导下进行卵圆孔穿刺,并行电生理测试,再次确认靶点的位置无误后,进行射频热凝治疗.结果 所有患者顺利穿刺成功,射频热凝术后,患者原有的面部疼痛均明显缓解或消失,术前患者VAS评分为9.67±0.47,术后VAS评分为0.22±0.57,差异有明显的统计学意义,且所有患者术后均无严重并发症.结论 神经导航引导下经皮穿刺三叉神经半月节射频热凝术是一种微创,安全和疗效显著的三叉神经痛外科治疗手段.     

Retrogasserian glycerol injection or percutaneous stimulation in the treatment of typical and atypical trigeminal pain

Of 164 patients with trigeminal neuralgia treated by percutaneous retrogasserian glycerol injections, we have studied the long-term outcome (one to four years) of 72 patients. 51 patients suffered from idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia, and of these 92% were freed from pain by the operation. 21 patients suffered from symptomatic trigeminal neuralgia due to multiple sclerosis or of traumatic or infectious origin. Of these, only 38% became free of pain. A further 8 patients with facial deafferentation pain who underwent treatment by retrogasserian neurostimulation with a permanently implanted electrode were included in this study. 4 of these patients were rendered free of pain by this procedure.     

Retrogasserian glycerol injection or percutaneous stimulation in the treatment of typical and atypical trigeminal pain

Of 164 patients with trigeminal neuralgia treated by percutaneous retrogasserian glycerol injections, we have studied the long-term outcome (one to four years) of 72 patients. 51 patients suffered from idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia, and of these 92% were freed from pain by the operation. 21 patients suffered from symptomatic trigeminal neuralgia due to multiple sclerosis or of traumatic or infectious origin. Of these, only 38% became free of pain. A further 8 patients with facial deafferentation pain who underwent treatment by retrogasserian neurostimulation with a permanently implanted electrode were included in this study. 4 of these patients were rendered free of pain by this procedure.     

Reversible splenial lesion in the corpus callosum following rapid withdrawal of carbamazepine after neurosurgical decompression for trigeminal neuralgia

Reversible splenial lesions (RSL) of the corpus callosum have been described in various clinical conditions, and some are attributed to the action of antiepileptic drugs (AED). Abrupt withdrawal of an AED in preparation for surgical treatment can result in RSL of the corpus callosum in patients with trigeminal neuralgia who do not have epilepsy. We report two patients who developed RSL following surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Since our two patients did not have epilepsy, it is strongly suggested that the AED, rather than convulsive status epilepticus, could be a contributing factor in RSL. The pathogenesis of AED-associated RSL is not clear. Similar RSL can appear under various circumstances, implying that factors other than AED can influence a common end-point mechanism that results in RSL. Nevertheless, delirium after surgery may be a cue for inquiring about RSL. This condition is transient and represents a clinicoradiological syndrome with an excellent prognosis. We should consider this phenomenon in the perioperative period after surgery for trigeminal neuralgia to avoid invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.     

181例原发性三叉神经痛微血管减压术疗效分析

目的 探讨微血管减压术在原发性三叉神经痛疗中的效果,为指导诊疗提供临床依据.方法 对广东省人民医院神经外科自2000年1月至2007年12月收治的181例原发性三叉神经痛患者的一般资料、责任血管和外科手术效果等临床资料进行总结分析.结果 181例三叉神经痛患者中,O型血患者79例(占43.65%),较国人正常O型血分布(33.80%)有增高趋势;发病率右侧:左侧=1.8:1;2条以上责任血管者45例(24.86%);责任血管包括小脑上动脉96例,小脑后下动脉7例,小脑前下动脉以及动静脉混合接触或压迫者各25例.内听动脉13例,基底动脉15例,椎动脉9例,单纯静脉15例(主要为岩静脉和桥静脉),无名血管9例(主要为以上动静脉血管的分支).181例患者术后1月内171例症状完全消失(94.48%);症状改善,但需结合药物控制者9例(4.97%);植物生存1例(0.55%).结论 本组资料提示O型血可能更易患三叉神经痛;微血管减压术是原发性三叉神经痛的理想治疗手段,防止遗漏多发性责任血管是减少术后复发的重要因素.