Chiari Type I malformation presenting as glossopharyngeal neuralgia: case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Chiari Type I malformation is an important pathological state in which the brainstem is compressed by the cerebellar tonsil. We present a case of glossopharyngeal neuralgia caused by Chiari Type I malformation. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old male patient was admitted with glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed caudal displacement of the left cerebellar tonsil. INTERVENTION: Small occipital craniectomy and C1 laminectomy were performed. The left cerebellar tonsil was resected. CONCLUSION: This glossopharyngeal neuralgia was caused by compression of the lower cranial nerves and brainstem by the displaced left cerebellar tonsil. Decompression and pain relief were obtained with resection of the cerebellar tonsil. The patient was pain-free 30 weeks after the operation.