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Brain abscess after percutaneous therapy for trigeminal neuralgia
Michele Acqui1, Pietro Familiari1, Alessandro Pesce1
1Neurosurgery Unit, Department of NESMOS, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Sant'Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035/1039, 00189 Rome, Italy.
Case Reports in Infectious Diseases
|March 31, 2015
Summary
A rare brain abscess complication occurred after percutaneous trigeminal neuralgia treatment. Prompt antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage proved effective, highlighting the need for patient counseling on potential septic risks.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Percutaneous procedures for trigeminal neuralgia involve needle insertion into the middle cranial fossa via the oral cavity.
- Potential for bacterial contamination exists during this minimally invasive approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of brain abscess following percutaneous trigeminal neuralgia treatment.
- To discuss the potential etiology and effective management of this rare complication.
Main Methods:
- A case study detailing the occurrence of brain abscess post-procedure.
- Treatment involved a combination of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy (Vancomycin and Meropenem) and surgical drainage.
- Cultures of abscess material were obtained.
Main Results:
- A brain abscess developed after percutaneous trigeminal neuralgia treatment, likely due to oral cavity contamination.
- Despite sterile cultures, the patient responded well to combined antibiotic and surgical treatment.
- Complete normalization of clinical and laboratory parameters was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous trigeminal neuralgia treatment carries a risk of septic complications, including brain abscess.
- Informed patient consent regarding potential risks, even if rare, is crucial.
- Combined surgical drainage and antibiotic therapy represent an effective treatment strategy.
