scholarly journals Current neurosurgical management of glossopharyngeal neuralgia and technical nuances for microvascular decompression surgery

2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. E8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Rey-Dios ◽  
Aaron A. Cohen-Gadol
Keyword(s):  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Cranial Nerve ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia ◽  
Decompression Surgery ◽  
Delay In Diagnosis ◽  
Root Exit Zone ◽  
Microvascular Decompression Surgery

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is an uncommon facial pain syndrome often misdiagnosed as trigeminal neuralgia. The rarity of this condition and its overlap with other cranial nerve hyperactivity syndromes often leads to a significant delay in diagnosis. The surgical procedures with the highest rates of pain relief for GPN are rhizotomy and microvascular decompression (MVD) of cranial nerves IX and X. Neurovascular conflict at the level of the root exit zone of these cranial nerves is believed to be the cause of this pain syndrome in most cases. Vagus nerve rhizotomy is usually reserved for cases in which vascular conflict is not evident. A review of the literature reveals that although the addition of cranial nerve X rhizotomy may improve the chances of long-term pain control, this maneuver also increases the risk of permanent dysphagia and vocal cord paralysis. The risks of this procedure have to be carefully weighed against its benefits. Based on the authors' experience, careful patient selection with a thorough exploratory operation most often leads to identification of the site of vascular conflict, obviating the need for cranial nerve X rhizotomy.

Importance of awareness of the rhomboid lip in microvascular decompression surgery for hemifacial spasm

2013 ◽  
Vol 119 (4) ◽  
pp. 1038-1042 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yukiko Nakahara ◽  
Toshio Matsushima ◽  
Tetsuya Hiraishi ◽  
Tetsuro Takao ◽  
Takeshi Funaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hemifacial Spasm ◽  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Fourth Ventricle ◽  
Ventral Side ◽  
Preoperative Imaging ◽  
Decompression Surgery ◽  
Mr Images ◽  
Root Exit Zone ◽  
Inferior Portion ◽  
Microvascular Decompression Surgery

Object The authors adopted the infrafloccular approach for microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery to treat hemifacial spasm (HFS). The inferior portion of the flocculus is retracted to observe the root exit zone of cranial nerve (CN) VII between CN IX and the flocculus. During the procedure, the rhomboid lip, a sheetlike layer of neural tissue forming the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle, is sometimes encountered. The existence of the rhomboid lip in cases of HFS was reviewed to determine the importance of the structure during MVD surgery. Methods Preoperative imaging and intraoperative observations in 34 consecutive cases of HFS treated in the period from October 2008 through September 2011 were used to assess the frequency of encountering the rhomboid lip. Results The rhomboid lip was observed during MVD surgery in 9 (26.5%) of the 34 cases but had been demonstrated on preoperative MR images in only 3 cases (8.8%). On T2-weighted images, it appeared as a high-intensity nonstructural area on the ventral side of the flocculus and continued into the fourth ventricle via the foramen of Luschka. Conclusions A large rhomboid lip presents an impediment to MVD surgery in a significant minority of patients with HFS. It is seldom observed on preoperative MR images. Proper dissection of the rhomboid lip away from the arachnoid membrane and/or the lower CNs during MVD surgery provides good visualization of the root exit zone of CN VII and reduces injury of CNs IX and X, avoiding postoperative deficits like dysphagia.

scholarly journals Failed microvascular decompression surgery for hemifacial spasm due to persistent neurovascular compression: an analysis of reoperations

2016 ◽  
Vol 124 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Gregory Bigder ◽  
Anthony M. Kaufmann
Keyword(s):  
Hemifacial Spasm ◽  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Senior Author ◽  
Decompression Surgery ◽  
Neurovascular Compression ◽  
Exit Point ◽  
Root Exit Zone ◽  
Prior Surgery ◽  
Microvascular Decompression Surgery

OBJECT Microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery for hemifacial spasm (HFS) is potentially curative. The findings at repeat MVD in patients with persistent or recurrent HFS were analyzed with the aim to identify factors that may improve surgical outcomes. METHODS Intraoperative findings were determined from review of dictated operative reports and operative diagrams for patients who underwent repeat MVD after prior surgery elsewhere. Clinical follow-up was obtained from the hospital and clinic records, as well as telephone questionnaires. RESULTS Among 845 patients who underwent MVD performed by the senior author, 12 had been referred after prior MVD for HFS performed elsewhere. Following repeat MVD, all patients improved and complete spasm resolution was described by 11 of 12 patients after a mean follow-up of 91 ± 55 months (range 28–193). Complications were limited to 1 patient with aggravation of preexisting hearing loss and mild facial weakness and 1 patient with aseptic meningitis without sequelae. Significant factors that may have contributed to the failure of the first surgery included retromastoid craniectomies that did not extend laterally to the sigmoid sinus or inferiorly to the posterior fossa floor in 11 of 12 patients and a prior surgical approach that focused on the cisternal portion of the facial nerve in 9 of 12 patients. In all cases, significant persistent neurovascular compression (NVC) was evident and alleviated more proximally on the facial root exit zone (fREZ). CONCLUSIONS Most HFS patients will achieve spasm relief with thorough alleviation of NVC of the fREZ, which extends from the pontomedullary sulcus root exit point to the Obersteiner-Redlich transition zone.

Management of Recurrent Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia Following Microvascular Decompression Surgery

2018 ◽  
Vol 117 ◽  
pp. 339-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhivya Palanisamy ◽  
Miyatani Kyosuke ◽  
Yamada Yasuhiro ◽  
Kawase Tsukasa ◽  
Yoko Kato
Keyword(s):  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia ◽  
Decompression Surgery ◽  
Microvascular Decompression Surgery

219 A Clinical Analysis on Microvascular Decompression Surgery for Treatment of Hemifacial Spasm: 2500 Cases Review in a Single Institute

Neurosurgery ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (CN_suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 259-260
Author(s):  
Myeongki Yeo ◽  
Bong Jin Park ◽  
Hridayesh Pratap Malla ◽  
Bong Arm Rhee ◽  
Young Jin Lim
Keyword(s):  
Hemifacial Spasm ◽  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Clinical Analysis ◽  
Postoperative Outcomes ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage ◽  
Subdural Hemorrhage ◽  
Decompression Surgery ◽  
Vascular Compression ◽  
Root Exit Zone ◽  
Microvascular Decompression Surgery

Abstract INTRODUCTION Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is caused by vascular compression of the facial nerve at its root exit zone from the brainstem. Microvascular decompression (MVD) is the only treatment option that offers the prospect of a definitive cure for HFS. However, this surgery can be risky and the postoperative outcomes might not be good enough sometimes. In order to refine that, we investigated our result of MVDs. METHODS Among 2500 consecutive cases of MVDs have been performed in our institute between January 2000 and December 2015, 2196 patients were enrolled in the current study. They were retrospectively analyzed with emphasis on postoperative outcomes and complications. RESULTS >Postoperatively, the spasm complete cease occurred immediately in 73.4%. The symptoms improved at some degree in 22.7%. The spasm not improved at all in 3.9%. However, the symptom free rate was 88.3% at 6 months after surgery. Eventually, the successful rate was increased by 93.1% at 1 year after MVD. Major complications included permanent hearing disturbance (1.13%), permanent facial palsy (0.4%), vertebral artery injury (0.2%), subdural hemorrhage (0.2%), and epidural hemorrhage (0.1%). Minor complications included transient cerebrospinal fluid leakage (1.3%), infection (0.6%). CONCLUSION MVD is a safe and effective treatment for HFS. A precise recognition of the neurovascular conflict site lead to a successful MVD.

Cerebellopontine Angle Epidermoids Presenting with Cranial Nerve Hyperactive Dysfunction: Pathogenesis and Long-term Surgical Results in 30 Patients

Neurosurgery ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 276-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hitoshi Kobata ◽  
Akinori Kondo ◽  
Koichi Iwasaki
Keyword(s):  
Hemifacial Spasm ◽  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Cranial Nerve ◽  
Cerebellopontine Angle ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Surgical Results ◽  
Neurovascular Structures

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To provide the characteristics and long-term surgical results of patients who present with cerebellopontine angle epidermoids and trigeminal neuralgia (TN) or hemifacial spasm. METHODS A total of 30 patients (23 women, 7 men) who presented with cerebellopontine angle epidermoids and TN (28 patients) or hemifacial spasm (2 patients) between 1982 and 1995 were reviewed, with emphasis being placed on the clinical manifestations, the mechanisms of symptom development, the long-term follow-up results, and the anatomic relationship between the tumor and the surrounding neurovascular structures. RESULTS The average age of the patients was 37.8 years at symptom onset and 49.3 years at the time of the operation. The tumor-nerve relationships were classified into four types: complete encasement of the nerve by the tumor, compression and distortion of the nerve by the tumor, compression of the nerve by an artery located on the opposite side of the unilateral tumor, and compression of the nerve by an artery on the same side of the tumor. Total resection was achieved in 17 patients (56.7%). Microvascular decompression of the respective cranial nerve was achieved in nine cases of direct arterial compression in addition to tumor removal. The symptom was relieved completely in all cases. In an average follow-up period of 11.5 years, three patients developed recurrent symptoms: two experienced tumor regrowth, and one had arachnoid adhesion. CONCLUSION Hyperactive dysfunction of the cranial nerves, especially TN, may be the initial and only symptom that patients with cerebellopontine angle epidermoids experience. The occurrence of TN at a younger age was characteristic of TN patients with epidermoids, in contrast to patients with TN due to a vascular cause. The symptom is elicited by compression of the nerve by the tumor per se, by an artery that is displaced to the nerve, or by both. Careful resection of the tumor, whose capsule occasionally is strongly adherent to the neurovascular structures, is necessary, and microvascular decompression to straighten the neuraxis should be performed in some cases to achieve a complete, permanent cure of symptoms with a low rate of recurrence.

Microvascular decompression of cranial nerves: lessons learned after 4400 operations

1998 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. E1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark R. McLaughlin ◽  
Peter J. Jannetta ◽  
Brent L. Clyde ◽  
Brian R. Subach ◽  
Christopher H. Comey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Hemifacial Spasm ◽  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Cranial Nerve ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Csf Leakage

Object Microvascular decompression has become an accepted surgical technique for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, and other cranial nerve rhizopathies. The senior author (P.J.J.) began performing this procedure in 1969 and has performed more than 4400 operations. The purpose of this article is to review some of the nuances of the technical aspects of this procedure. Methods A review of 4415 operations shows that numerous modifications to the technique of microvascular decompression have occurred during the last 29 years. Of the 2420 operations performed for trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and glossopharyngeal neuralgia before 1990, cerebellar injury occurred in 21 cases (0.87%), hearing loss in 48 (1.98%), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage in 59 cases (2.44%). Of the 1995 operations performed since 1990, cerebellar injuries declined to nine cases (0.45%), hearing loss to 16 (0.8%), and CSF leakage to 37 (1.85%) (p < 0.01, test for equality of distributions). The authors describe slight variations made to maximize surgical exposure and minimize potential complications in each of the six principal steps of this operation. These modifications have led to decreasing complication rates in recent years. Conclusions Using the techniques described in this report, microvascular decompression is an extremely safe and effective treatment for many cranial nerve rhizopathies.

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