scholarly journals MICROVASCULAR DECOMPRESSION IN THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 101-106
Author(s):  
D. M Lazarchuk ◽  
G. N Alekseev ◽  
O. O Kamadey ◽  
S. N Chemidronov

This work highlights the main variant treatment of patients with trigeminal neuralgia, with a proven neurovascular conflict, microvascular decompression of the trigeminal root. Microvascular decompression is the main radical treatment method which allows to relieve hyperfunctional syndrome manifested by prosopalgia. In the course of this study, the variant anatomy of the neurovascular conflict in patients with trigeminal neuralgia was described in detail. The group of patients whose clinical diagnosis at the stage of selection was based on a neurological examination and taking into account the progression of symptoms as well as the performed instrumental examination (CT angiography). The results are described in the article. Atrophic changes of the root of the trigeminal nerve are visualized and described. The nature of its blood supply is classified according to the type of the origin of the artery or arterial branches of the trigeminal nerve root. The main types of neurovascular conflict classified according to the type of blood vessel are presented. Variant neuroanatomy of the trigeminal nerve root as well as the interaction with the arteries of the vertebrobasilar basin and the veins of the posterior cranial fossa are described. The course of microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve root, used in the neurosurgical department of Samara Regional Clinical Hospital n.a. V.D. Seredavin is described

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. V4
Author(s):  
Norio Ichimasu ◽  
Nobuyuki Nakajima ◽  
Ken Matsushima ◽  
Michihiro Kohno ◽  
Yutaka Takusagawa

In this operative video, the authors demonstrate the case of a 53-year-old woman who presented with typical right trigeminal neuralgia by a trigeminocerebellar artery (TCA). The TCA was first defined by Marinković as a unique branch of the basilar artery supplying both the trigeminal nerve root and the cerebellar hemisphere. As a result of the close relationship between this vessel and the nerve root, the TCA might compress the nerve root, thereby causing trigeminal neuralgia. However, few cases of trigeminal neuralgia caused by TCA have been reported. This video shows the microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia by the TCA.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/UnGsCQRK6aY


2012 ◽  
Vol 2;15 (2;3) ◽  
pp. 187-196
Author(s):  
Yun-Qing Li

Background: Microvascular compression of the trigeminal nerve root is a major cause of most trigeminal neuralgia (TN) in patients; however, no reliable animal model to further study the pathogenesis of TN currently exists. Objective: Our objective was to establish a novel and practical animal model for TN by chronic compression of the trigeminal (CCT) nerve root in rats, which would provide a better animal model to mimic the clinical feature of TN on the research of the pathogenesis of TN. Study Design: A randomized, double blind, controlled animal trial. Methods: Sixteen adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-220 g) were randomly divided into 2 groups: one group that received chronic compression of the trigeminal nerve root (the CCT group, n=8) and another group that received sham operation without compression (the sham operation group, n=8). A small plastic filament was retrogressively inserted into the intracalvarium from the inferior orbital fissure until it reached the trigeminal nerve root for compression in CCT group. Animal behaviors were observed for 4 weeks after operation. Immunohistochemistry of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), isolectin B4 (IB4), substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were performed in the trigeminal root entry zone (TREZ) and medullary dorsal horn (MDH). Results: The orofacial mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia in the CCT rats were obviously increased after the operation and lasted for 28 days. Increased facegrooming behavior was also observed in the CCT rats and continued for over 21 days, returning to baseline by day 28. Immunohistochemistry for GFAP in the TREZ revealed a progressive extension of astrocytic processes in the ipsilateral TREZ of rats in the CCT group. Furthermore, the IB4 positive immunoreactive nonpeptidergic C-fiber terminals in the MDH were reduced for 4 weeks after the operation. Both SP and CGRP, expressed in the peptidergic C-fiber terminals, were found to be decreased in the ipsilateral MDH of CCT animals after the trigeminal nerve root injury. Limitations: CCT animal model with a plastic filament only imitated the mechanical compression of the trigeminal root but not to display the complex vascular physiological feature as the microvascular in the TN patient. Conclusions: The chronic compression of the trigeminal nerve root in rats effectively induced persistent orofacial neuropathic pain behaviors, and it would provide a novel and practical animal model for future research on the pathogenesis of TN. Key words: trigeminal neuralgia, nerve root compression, animal model, mechanical allodynia, heat hyperalgesia, substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide, isolectin B4


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexe Vinokurov ◽  
Alexandr Kalinkin

Background. The incidence of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is 15 per 100,000 people per year. The effectiveness of the existing conservative methods of therapy does not exceed 50%. The use of carbamazepine doubles the frequency of depressive conditions, and 40% of suicidal thoughts. Purpose of the study. To evaluate the long-term results of microvascular decompression using video endoscopy in the treatment of patients with classical trigeminal neuralgia (cNTN) with paroxysmal facial pain. Methods. At the Federal Research and Clinical Center of the FMBA of Russia in the period from 2014 to 2019. 96 patients with cNTN were operated on in 62 (64%) of whom neuralgia was with paroxysmal facial pain, and in 34 (36%) - with constant pain. The average period from the onset of pain syndrome to surgery was 5 years (from 2 months to 15 years). The maximum pain intensity upon admission to the hospital according to the visual analogue scale (VAS) was 10 points, according to the BNI (Barrow Neurological Institute) pain syndrome scale - V. All patients underwent MIA of the trigeminal nerve root using Teflon, and in 9 patients during surgery used video endoscopic assistance. The average follow-up period after surgery was 3.4 1.7 years (from 1 to 5 years).Results. In all (100%) patients, pain was completely relieved after surgery (BNI - I). Excellent and good results after MVD within 5 years were achieved in 98% of patients (BNI - I-II). Facial hypesthesia, which does not bring discomfort and anxiety (BNI-II), developed in 8% (n = 5) of patients. The use of video endoscopy made it possible to identify vessels compressing the trigeminal nerve root with minimal traction of the cerebellum and cranial nerves. The development of cerebellar edema and ischemia occurred in one (1.6%) patient.Conclusion. The MVD method with video endoscopy is effective in the treatment of patients with cNTN with paroxysmal pain syndrome.


2007 ◽  
Vol 60 (suppl_2) ◽  
pp. ONS-63-ONS-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emad F. Shenouda ◽  
Hugh B. Coakham

Abstract Objective: Within a series of 440 consecutive patients who underwent posterior fossa procedures for trigeminal neuralgia (TN), the site of neurovascular conflict was obscured by petrous endostosis in 15 patients. The surgical management and clinical outcomes of these patients are presented. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the prospectively collected data of all patients with a diagnosis of TN from 1980 to 2005. Clinical presentation, preoperative imaging, intraoperative findings, surgical technique, and outcomes were recorded. A postal follow-up questionnaire and a visual analog scale of 100 points were used for outcome assessment and patient satisfaction. Results: All 15 patients presented with typical TN, had preoperative imaging suggestive of vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve root, and underwent standard retro-mastoid craniotomy. The juxta-petrous portion of the trigeminal nerve root was obscured by petrous endostosis. The neurovascular conflict was revealed and dealt with after drilling of the endostosis in 11 patients, and four patients had endoscopic-assisted exploration of the region of the endostosis. A pontotrigeminal vein caused compression in most cases. Three patients had endoscopic-assisted division of the vein. All patients had immediate relief of pain and were 100% satisfied with the results of surgery after a mean follow-up period of 38.6 months. Four patients developed a cere-brospinal fluid leak, and five patients experienced postoperative headaches. Conclusion: Petrous endostosis is an uncommon finding in posterior fossa procedures for TN (3.4%). However, it can obscure the region of neurovascular conflict, which is venous compression in these cases. We have found that drilling away endos-tosis or using endoscopic-assisted microsurgery increases the chances of good outcome and avoids unnecessary rhizotomy. All magnetic resonance imaging scans should be inspected for evidence of petrous endostosis and, when present, a bone window computed tomographic scan should be performed to clarify the image and check for the presence of petrous air cells. If the endostosis is drilled, failure to detect and to seal these air cells thoroughly can result in postoperative cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. Attention to these details will optimize the surgical results. However, the use of an angled endoscope avoids this problem and is now our preferred method.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takuro Inoue ◽  
Satoshi Shitara ◽  
Yukihiro Goto ◽  
Mustaqim Prasetya ◽  
Takanori Fukushima

Abstract BACKGROUND Contact of the main stem of the petrosal vein (PV) to the nerve root is a rare cause of trigeminal neuralgia (TGN). The implication of the PV in relation with neurovascular contact (NVC) is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE To assess the operative procedures in microvascular decompression (MVD) in patients with PV involvement in the long-term. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 34 cases (7.0%) in 485 consecutive MVDs for TGN, whose PV main stem had contact with the trigeminal nerve root (PV-NVC). PV-NVCs were divided into 2 groups: concomitant arterial contact or no concomitant arterial contact. Surgical techniques, outcomes, complications, and recurrence were assessed. RESULTS The anatomical relationship of the PV with the trigeminal nerve root was consistent with preoperative 3-dimensional imaging in all patients. Pain relief was obtained in most patients immediately after surgery (97.1%) by separating the PV from the nerve root. Postoperative facial numbness was noted in 9 patients (26.5%). Symptomatic venous infarctions occurred in 2 patients (5.9%). Recurrence of facial pain occurred in 3 patients (8.8%) with a median 48 mo follow-up period. Re-exploration surgery revealed adhesion being the cause of recurrence. The statistical analyses showed no difference in the surgical outcomes of the 2 groups. CONCLUSION Separating the PV from the nerve root contributes to pain relief in patients with PV conflict regardless of concomitant arteries. Preserving venous flow is crucial to avoid postoperative venous insufficiency.


2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yukitomo Ishi ◽  
Katsuyuki Asaoka ◽  
Taku Sugiyama ◽  
Yuka Yokoyama ◽  
Kazuyoshi Yamazaki ◽  
...  

Cerebellopontine angle tumors might occasionally provoke trigeminal neuralgia but are usually large enough to be diagnosed radiographically. We present a case of trigeminal neuralgia caused by a very small meningioma covering the suprameatal tubercle that displayed hyperostosis at the entrance of Meckel's cave and was not obvious on routine magnetic resonance (MR) images. A 72-year-old woman with intractable trigeminal neuralgia in the left V3 territory was referred to our institution. Preoperative imaging studies revealed that the left trigeminal nerve was medially distorted at the entrance of Meckel's cave by a laterally seated bone bulge covered by a minute enhanced lesion. Trigeminal nerve decompression surgery was performed via a retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach. We found a small meningioma that had compressed and flattened the trigeminal nerve root at the entrance of Meckel's cave, which was grossly and totally removed by suprameatal tubercle resection. There was no vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve root. The trigeminal neuralgia ceased completely after the operation. Accurate preoperative determination of the causative pathologies is essential to achieve adequate surgical results after microvascular decompression for neurovascular compression syndrome. Because conventional MR sequences are inadequate for the precise interpretation of complex neurovascular anatomy in the cerebellopontine angle and such small tumors can be overlooked on routine MR studies, high-resolution thin-slice MR examinations and careful radiological interpretations are required for correct diagnosis and treatment.


Author(s):  
Membrilla JA ◽  
◽  
Díaz de Terán J ◽  

A 50-year-old man debuted with right trigeminal neuralgia. In the following years, it became refractory to medical treatment and ipsilateral cluster headache appeared. He was diagnosed with cluster-tic syndrome. A brain magnetic resonance with high-spatialresolution 3D T2 sequences (FIESTA) excluded the existence of neurovascular conflict, but a surgical exploration was indicated due to its torpid evolution. A venous contact with the right trigeminal nerve was confirmed in the surgery and microvascular decompression was performed. The patient’s evolution was favorable, improving the trigeminal neuralgia as well as the cluster headache. Keywords: Trigeminal neuralgia; cluster headache; cluster-tic syndrome; microvascular decompression.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zafar Ali Khan Ali Khan ◽  
Shammas Raza Khan Raza Khan ◽  
Tariq Mehmood ◽  
Chaudhary Umar Asghar ◽  
Naseer Ahmed

Objective: Patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia often consults a dentist for relief of their symptoms as the pain seems to be arising from teeth and allied oral structures. Basilar artery Dolichoectasia is an unusual and very rare cause of secondary Trigeminal Neuralgia as it compresses the Trigeminal nerve Root Entry Zone. Case reports: We report three cases of Trigeminal Neuralgia caused by Basilar artery Dolichoectasia compression. The corneal reflex was found absent in all three of the cases along with mild neurological deficits in one case. Multiplanar T1/T2W images through the brain disclosed an aberrant, cirsoid (S-shaped) and torturous Dolichoectasia of basilar artery offending the Trigeminal nerve Root Entry Zone. Discussion: Based on these findings we propose a protocol for general dentist for diagnosis of patients with trigeminal neuralgia and timely exclusion of secondary intracranial causes. Conclusion: General dentists and oral surgeons ought to consider this diagnosis in patients presenting with chronic facial pain especially pain mimicking neuralgia with loss of corneal reflex or other neurosensory deficit on the face along with nighttime pain episodes. Timely and accurate diagnosis and prompt referral to a concerned specialist can have an enormous impact on patient survival rate in such cases. KEYWORDS Basilar artery; Cirsoid dolichoectasia; Corneal reflex; Trigeminal neuralgia.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document