Isolated Congenital Absence of Cranial Nerves: Report of Two Cases

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (06) ◽  
pp. 405-407
Author(s):  
Vivek Agarwal ◽  
Sumeet Dhawan ◽  
Naveen Sankhyan ◽  
Sameer Vyas

AbstractIsolated cranial nerve absence is a rare condition that can be diagnosed using high-resolution cranial nerve magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Thorough clinical examination with proper knowledge of the course of cranial nerves may help diagnose this rare condition. We describe two cases, one each of, isolated congenital absence of the third and seventh cranial nerve with their clinical presentation. High-resolution T2-weighted MR imaging was done in both patients which revealed absence of cisternal segment of the right-sided third nerve and cisternal with canalicular segment of the right-sided facial nerve.

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. E130-E133
Author(s):  
Derek G Southwell ◽  
Jonathan D Breshears ◽  
William R Lyon ◽  
Michael W McDermott

Abstract BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE Skull base surgery involves the microdissection and intraoperative monitoring of cranial nerves, including cranial nerve XI (CN XI). Manipulation of CN XI can evoke brisk trapezius contraction, which in turn may disturb the surgical procedure and risk patient safety. Here we describe a method for temporarily silencing CN XI via direct intraoperative application of 1% lidocaine. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 41-yr-old woman presented with symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure and obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to a hemangioblastoma of the right cerebellar tonsil. A far-lateral suboccipital craniotomy was performed for resection of the lesion. During the initial stages of microdissection, vigorous trapezius contraction compromised the course of the operation. Following exposure of the cranial and cervical portions of CN XI, lidocaine was applied to the course of the exposed nerve. Within 3 min, trapezius electromyography demonstrated neuromuscular silencing, and further manipulation of CN XI did not cause shoulder movements. Approximately 30 min after lidocaine application, trapezius contractions returned, and lidocaine was again applied to re-silence CN XI. Gross total resection of the hemangioblastoma was performed during periods of CN XI inactivation, when trapezius contractions were absent. CONCLUSION Direct application of lidocaine to CN XI temporarily silenced neuromuscular activity and prevented unwanted trapezius contraction during skull base microsurgery. This method improved operative safety and efficiency by significantly reducing patient movement due to the unavoidable manipulation of CN XI.


2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (01) ◽  
pp. 47-49
Author(s):  
Emanuelle Braga ◽  
Luiza Köhler ◽  
Marcelo de Cesaro ◽  
Tasso Barreto ◽  
Richard Giacomelli ◽  
...  

AbstractVestibular schwannomas (VSs) account for ∼ 70% of all tumors of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). Their clinical presentation is often insidious, with progressive hearing loss and involvement of other cranial nerves. Spontaneous hemorrhage in those tumors is very unusual, and generally presents with acute clinical features such as nausea, vomiting, headache and altered consciousness, usually with marked dysfunction of the cranial nerve involved, and with new deficits of neighboring cranial nerves. Asymptomatic patients are extremely rare. We present a case report of an incidental VS with asymptomatic bleeding, which evolved to death after surgery.


2017 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 287-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Podgorac ◽  
Jasna Zidverc-Trajkovic ◽  
Zagorka Jovanovic ◽  
Aleksandar Ristic ◽  
Aleksandra Radojicic ◽  
...  

Introduction. Tolosa?Hunt syndrome (THS) is a rare entity, characterized by unilateral orbital pain associated with paresis of one or more of the oculomotor cranial nerves and caused by a granulomatous inflammation in the cavernous sinus, superior orbital fissure or orbit. The low prevalence of THS with a broad spectrum of other disorders that could cause painful ophtalmoplegia resulted in a stricter diagnostic criteria of THS in the latest edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders. Current criteria require demonstration of granuloma by magnetic resonance imaging or biopsy. The diagnosis could be difficult and the initiation of treatment delayed due to a high variablity of clinical presentation of TSH. Reducing the number of patients that, based on clinical presentation, could be classified as having THS, but do not fullfil all diagnostic criteria further complicates establishing of correct diagnosis. Case report. Hereby we presented eight patients diagnosed with and treated for THS. Inspite the exclusion of other causes of painful ophtalmoplegia, granuloma could not be demonstrated in a half of patients. Clinical presentation of THS in patients with and without shown granuloma, did not significantly differ concerning headache characteristics (localization, intensity, quality, duration preceding cranial nerve palsy, response to steroids), the affected cranial nerve, disease course and response to the treatment, as well as types of diagnostic procedures that were performed in ruling out other diseases from the extensive differential diagnosis of painful ophthalmoplegia. Conclusion. There is no significant difference between the THS patients with and without demonstrated granuloma.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. e232490
Author(s):  
Divya Natarajan ◽  
Suresh Tatineni ◽  
Srinivasa Perraju Ponnapalli ◽  
Virender Sachdeva

We report a case of isolated unilateral complete pupil involving third cranial nerve palsy due to pituitary adenoma with parasellar extension into the right cavernous sinus. The patient was referred to us from neurosurgery with sudden onset binocular vertical diplopia with complete ptosis, and mild right-sided headache of 5-day duration. Ocular examination revealed pupil involving third cranial nerve palsy in right eye while rest of the examination including automated perimetry was normal. MRI brain with contrast revealed a mass lesion with heterogenous enhancement in the sella suggestive of a pituitary macroadenoma with possible internal haemorrhage (apoplexy). In addition, the MRI showed lateral spread to the right cavernous sinus which was causing compression of the right third cranial nerve. The patient was systemically stable. This report highlights a unique case as the lesion showed a lateral spread of pituitary adenoma without compression of the optic chiasm or other cranial nerves.


2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Wybrand Barnard

Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) is a rare disorder indicated by recurrent painful ophthalmoplegia caused by non-specific inflammation of the cavernous sinus or superior orbital fissure (SOF). The disease shares histopathological features with idiopathic orbital pseudotumour; however, owing to its anatomical location, it produces characteristic clinical manifestations.1 Recurrent retro-orbital pain, with palsies of the third, fourth or sixth cranial nerves as well as the first and second divisions of the trigeminal nerve, are typical. Clinically, immediate response to steroid therapy is a hallmark of the condition. The clinical presentation of THS has a wide differential diagnosis, and timely and appropriate imaging – as an adjunct to pertinent laboratory investigations – can greatly assist clinicians with early accurate diagnosis and management.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason P. Caffrey ◽  
Jason W. Adams ◽  
Isabel Costantino ◽  
Kristin Klepper ◽  
Elina Kari ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Facial baroparesis is a palsy of the seventh cranial nerve resulting from increased pressure compressing the nerve along its course through the middle ear cavity. It is a rare condition, most commonly reported in barotraumatic environments, in particular scuba diving and high-altitude air travel. We report here an unusual case of highly frequent baroparesis, workup, and successful treatment. Case presentation A 57-year-old Caucasian male frequent commercial airline traveler presented with a 4-year history of recurrent episodes of right-sided facial paralysis and otalgia, increasing in both frequency and severity. Incidents occurred almost exclusively during rapid altitude changes in aircraft, mostly ascent, but also during rapid altitude change in an automobile. Self-treatment included nasal and oral decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, and warm packs. Temporal bone computed tomography (CT) scan revealed possible right-sided dehiscence of the tympanic bone segment; audiogram and magnetic resonance imaging of the internal auditory canals were unremarkable. After a diagnosis of facial nerve baroparesis was made, the patient underwent myringotomy with insertion of a pressure equalization tube (PET) into the right tympanic membrane. Despite re-exposure to altitude change multiple times weekly post-treatment, the patient reported being symptom-free for more than 6 months following intervention. Conclusions Prompt PET insertion may represent the preferred treatment for individuals who suffer recurrent episodes of facial baroparesis. Education regarding this rare condition may prevent unnecessary testing and treatment of affected patients. Future studies should explore the pathophysiology and risk factors, compare therapeutic options, and provide follow-up data to optimize the management of affected patients.


2002 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 349-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Seitz ◽  
P. Held ◽  
M. Strotzer ◽  
M. Volk ◽  
W. R. Nitz ◽  
...  

Neurosurgery ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. E653-E653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eyal Itshayek ◽  
Xicotencatl Perez-Sanchez ◽  
Jose E. Cohen ◽  
Felix Umansky ◽  
Sergey Spektor

Abstract OBJECTIVE The authors report a rare case of a cavernous hemangioma (CH) involving the third cranial nerve. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 25-year-old Caucasian woman presented with neuralgic facial pain that responded to pharmacological management. She had no neurological deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed a space-occupying lesion in the interpeduncular cistern with no evidence of hemorrhagic event. Preoperative cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples were negative for cytology and tumor markers. INTERVENTION The patient underwent craniotomy and exploration of the interpeduncular cistern. A lesion with the raspberry-like appearance characteristic of a CH was found emerging from between the fibers and completely encircling Cranial Nerve III. The surgeon decided to leave the lesion in place to avoid creation of a new neurological deficit in the young patient. The patient is asymptomatic with a stable radiological picture 18 months after surgery. CONCLUSION CH should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis of extra-axial space-occupying lesions along the course of the cranial nerves. Resection with resulting deficit may not be indicated in patients presenting with normal neurological function. Further research and longer follow-up periods are required to better understand the natural history of CH involving the cranial nerves.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document