Multicompartmental trigeminal schwannoma--a clinical report

Trigeminal schwannomas are rare, benign tumors. The unique course of the trigeminal nerve allows these tumors to grow into various intracranial compartments. Multicompartmental tumors are infrequent and may present a formidable challenge to the surgeon. Liaison between a neurosurgeon and a craniofacial surgeon ensures optimal surgical outcome. We report one such patient. The tumor was approached via a modified frontotemporal craniotomy with orbitozygomatic osteotomy. It was completely extradural and could be totally excised with minimal morbidity.