Trigeminal neuralgia associated with seizure and syncope. Case report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a neuropathic pain disorder.
• Syncope and seizures are not typically associated with TN.

Observation:

• A patient with TN presented with generalized seizures and syncope, exhibiting asystole during episodes.
• Pacemaker implantation initially resolved syncope.
• Intraoperative stimulation of the trigeminal nerve caused bradycardia.

Findings:

• Microvascular decompression for TN eliminated facial pain, syncope, seizures, and bradycardia.
• This case suggests a potential link between TN and cardiac events like syncope and seizures.

Implications:

• The findings suggest that trigeminal nerve manipulation or pathology may influence cardiac function.
• This case expands the known clinical manifestations of trigeminal neuralgia.
• Further research is warranted to explore the neurocardiac axis in TN.