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Trigeminal palsy caused by triventricular hydrocephalus. A case report
G F Nicoletti1, N Platania, N Furnari
1Institute of Neurosurgery, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences
|July 16, 2002
Summary
A rare case of trigeminal palsy (5th nerve palsy) linked to triventricular hydrocephalus resolved after a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Post-surgery imaging confirmed Meckel
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Trigeminal palsy can manifest due to various neurological conditions.
- Hydrocephalus, an excess of cerebrospinal fluid, can increase intracranial pressure.
- Meckel's cave, housing the trigeminal ganglion, is susceptible to pressure changes.
Observation:
- A patient presented with left trigeminal nerve palsy.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed triventricular hydrocephalus compressing the left Meckel's cave.
- The patient experienced complete recovery of trigeminal nerve function post-surgery.
Findings:
- Ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion successfully treated the hydrocephalus.
- Post-operative MR imaging showed expansion of the left Meckel's cave.
- The trigeminal palsy was attributed to intracranial hypertension affecting the trigeminal nerve.
Implications:
- This case suggests a direct link between triventricular hydrocephalus and trigeminal palsy.
- Surgical intervention for hydrocephalus can effectively reverse trigeminal nerve dysfunction.
- Highlights the importance of considering intracranial pressure in cases of unexplained trigeminal nerve palsy.