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Trigeminal neuralgia triggered by auditory stimuli in multiple sclerosis
M Hartmann1, K G Rottach, W A Wohlgemuth
1Department of Neurology, Zentralklinikum Augsburg, Germany.
Archives of Neurology
|June 16, 1999
Summary
A demyelinating brainstem lesion caused trigeminal neuralgia triggered by sound. This case highlights how abnormal nerve signal spread in demyelinating lesions can lead to unusual pain symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Demyelinating Diseases
Background:
- Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a neuropathic pain disorder.
- Brainstem lesions can cause diverse neurological deficits.
- Auditory triggers for TN are rare.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old man presented with a brainstem lesion.
- He developed right-sided trigeminal neuralgia (TN) triggered by auditory stimuli.
- Imaging revealed a pontine demyelinating lesion affecting the trigeminal pathway.
Findings:
- The patient's TN was linked to a demyelinating lesion in the pons.
- The lesion impacted the right lateral lemniscus and trigeminal pathway.
- Symptoms resolved spontaneously but recurred, leading to a multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
Implications:
- Lateral impulse spread within the demyelinating lesion likely explains the auditory-triggered TN.
- This case expands understanding of neurophysiological mechanisms in demyelinating diseases.
- Highlights the importance of considering unusual symptom presentations in brainstem lesions.