Hydrocephalus and trigeminal neuralgia: exploring the association and management options

Abstract

We report the successful surgical management of three patients with trigeminal neuralgia and hydrocephalus. MRI revealed no neurovascular contact at the trigeminal root entry zone. Trigeminal neuralgic symptoms were controlled following alleviation of hydrocephalus. We hypothesize that trigeminal nerve traction, secondary to hydrocephalus, as the cause for their trigeminal neuralgia.

Keywords:

• Trigeminal neuralgia
• hydrocephalus
• traction
• endoscopic third ventriculostomy
• ventriculoperitoneal shunt

Acknowledgements

None.

Disclosure statement

Y.N., S.P., A.M., A.G. and S.B. declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Funding

No external funding was involved in the development of this study.

Ethical approval

Ethical approval was not sought.

Submission approval

The institution accepts the submission of the paper.