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Meningitis due to Gemella haemolysans after radiofrequency trigeminal rhizotomy
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|May 1, 1985
Abstract:
Meningitis due to Gemella haemolysans developed in a 73 year old woman after thermolysis of the Gasserian ganglion for trigeminal neuralgia. The taxonomy of this organism is discussed, and previous cases of infection are reviewed.
Insights
A rare case of meningitis caused by Gemella haemolysans occurred in a 73-year-old woman post-Gasserian ganglion thermolysis for trigeminal neuralgia. This highlights a potential complication following the procedure.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition.
- Gasserian ganglion thermolysis is a neurosurgical procedure to alleviate trigeminal neuralgia.
- Gemella haemolysans is a bacterium with a complex taxonomy.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old woman developed meningitis.
- The meningitis was diagnosed as being caused by Gemella haemolysans.
- The onset of meningitis followed thermolysis of the Gasserian ganglion.
Findings:
- This case represents a rare instance of meningitis due to Gemella haemolysans.
- The study reviews the taxonomy of Gemella haemolysans.
- Previous documented infections caused by this organism are discussed.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential, albeit rare, infectious complication following Gasserian ganglion thermolysis.
- Further research may be warranted to understand the specific risk factors and mechanisms linking this procedure to Gemella haemolysans meningitis.
- Awareness of this potential complication is important for clinicians managing patients with trigeminal neuralgia.