Trigeminal Neuralgia and Associated Hydrocephalus: Not a Mere Incidental Finding? A Case Report and Literature Review

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is most commonly related to vascular compression of the trigeminal root entry zone into the brainstem. Secondary causes of compression are much less common. TN as a sole manifestation of hydrocephalus has rarely been reported in the literature.

We describe a young woman with medically resistant TN, who was discovered to have a tectal plate glioma causing secondary obstructive hydrocephalus. In addition, she had an incidental finding of ecchordosis physaliphora. Cerebrospinal fluid diversion by an endoscopic third ventriculostomy resulted in TN resolution.

Hydrocephalus is a rare diagnosis to consider as a secondary cause for TN. Since the literature on this is sparse, it can be only suggested that in very select cases, treating the hydrocephalus may also treat the TN. Additional studies and reports are required.