Trigeminal neuralgia resulting from auditory brainstem implant cable compression.

Abstract

The authors report a case of neurofibromatosis Type 2 presenting with symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia refractory to medical management following placement of an auditory brainstem implant (ABI). Physical examination and history revealed trigeminal neuralgia. A 3D FIESTA (fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition) MR imaging study demonstrated compression of the trigeminal nerve by an ABI cable. After maximal medical therapy, a retrosigmoid microscopic decompression of the trigeminal nerve achieved complete symptom resolution. This is the first report of an ABI cable becoming displaced, resulting in neurovascular compression. This case demonstrates that trigeminal neuralgia can result from nonvascular compression of the trigeminal nerve.

• Authors: Marc S Schwartz, Derald E Brackmann, Eric P Wilkinson, John L Go, Felipe Santos
• Journal: Journal of neurosurgery (J Neurosurg) Vol. 114 Issue 1 Pg. 186-8 (Jan 2011) ISSN: 1933-0693 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20540600 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Auditory Brain Stem Implants (adverse effects)
• Craniotomy
• Decompression, Surgical
• Female
• Humans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Nerve Compression Syndromes (diagnostic imaging, etiology, surgery)
• Neuroma, Acoustic (surgery)
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• Treatment Outcome
• Trigeminal Neuralgia (diagnostic imaging, etiology, surgery)