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Retinal surgery-induced trigeminal neuralgia.
Naima B Jacobs-El1, Saad Shaikh
1*Department of Ophthalmology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia †Department of Medical Education, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, Florida ‡Department of Veterans Affairs, Orlando, Florida §Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida ¶Department of Clinical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida.
A 72-year-old man experienced trigeminal neuralgia (TN) after retinal surgery. Prompt diagnosis and neuroleptic treatment led to pain relief, highlighting TN as a consideration for post-retinal surgery pain.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Surgical complications
Background:
- Retinal surgery, including vitrectomy and endolaser therapy, can be associated with various complications.
- Postoperative pain is a common concern, but atypical presentations require careful evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) occurring after vitreoretinal surgery.
- To raise awareness among clinicians regarding this rare complication.
Main Methods:
- This study is a case report detailing the clinical course of a single patient.
- The patient underwent vitrectomy and endolaser therapy for a retinal condition.
Main Results:
- A 72-year-old male developed severe, atypical facial pain post-retinal surgery.
- The pain was diagnosed as trigeminal neuralgia and successfully managed with neuroleptic medications.
Conclusions:
- Trigeminal neuralgia is a potential, albeit uncommon, complication following vitreoretinal surgery.
- Clinicians should include trigeminal neuralgia in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with unusual pain after retinal procedures.
