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Occipital falcine meningioma presenting with ipsilateral hemifacial spasm: a case report

R Bhayani1, A Goel

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, K.E.M. Hospital, Bombay, India.

Insights

A large brain tumor caused hemifacial spasm in a patient. Surgical removal of the occipital falcine meningioma resolved the spasm, highlighting tumor-induced facial nerve compression.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Neurology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is an involuntary contraction of facial muscles.
  • While often idiopathic or due to vascular compression, neoplastic causes are less common.
  • Meningiomas, particularly falcine meningiomas, can present with atypical neurological symptoms.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with a large right occipital falcine meningioma.
  • The primary symptom was ipsilateral hemifacial spasm.
  • The tumor was located in the supratentorial region.

Findings:

  • Surgical resection of the supratentorial meningioma successfully relieved the patient's hemifacial spasm.
  • This case suggests a direct causal link between the tumor mass and facial nerve irritation.
  • Pathogenesis of tumor-induced HFS was explored.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering intracranial tumors in the differential diagnosis of hemifacial spasm.
  • Demonstrates the efficacy of surgical tumor removal in treating secondary HFS.
  • Informs treatment strategies for rare cases of hemifacial spasm caused by meningiomas.

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