Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia as a cause of trigeminal neuralgia: the role of microvascular decompression. Case report

Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2006 Mar;64(1):128-31. doi: 10.1590/s0004-282x2006000100027. Epub 2006 Apr 5.

Abstract

Our purpose is to report a case of trigeminal neuralgia caused by vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia treated with microvascular decompression. A 63-year-old man sought treatment for a recurrent lancinating left facial pain in V2 and V3 trigeminal territories. The computed tomography angiography revealed a mechanical compression of the left trigeminal nerve due to vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia. The patient was submitted to a left suboccipital craniotomy. Shredded Teflon was introduced in the conflicting neurovascular area, achieving a satisfactory decompression. The patients pain resolved immediately. Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia is a rare cause of trigeminal neuralgia and a successful outcome can be achieved with microvascular decompression.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Coronary Angiography
  • Decompression, Surgical / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene / therapeutic use
  • Recurrence
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Trigeminal Nerve* / surgery
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia / etiology*
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia / surgery
  • Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / complications*
  • Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging
  • Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / surgery*

Substances

  • Polytetrafluoroethylene