SVOA Neurology

Mario Rivera^1,3*, Enrique Aguilar^1,3, Andrea Perez², Fernando Lopetegui² and Natalia Rocha⁴

¹ Department of Neurology, Hospital Puerto Montt, Puerto Montt, Chile.

² Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology, Hospital Puerto Montt, Puerto Montt, Chile.

³ Professor of Neurology, Universidad San Sebastián, Chile.

⁴ School of Medicine, Universidad San Sebastián, Chile.

*Corresponding Author: Mario Rivera, Professor of Neurology, Universidad San Sebastián Sede La Patagonia, Chile.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58624/SVOANE.2023.04.096

Received: June 10, 2023     Published: June 27, 2023

Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic neuropathic pain, is characterized by frequent episodes of stabbing facial pain, in the territory of the trigeminal nerve, which can severely impair patient’s quality of life. It is primarily caused by vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve root, but it is sometimes secondary to other identifiable neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or a cerebellopontine angle tumor. Uncommonly, it may be caused by the presence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, a condition most likely identified by headache, visual disturbances, and sixth nerve palsy, among other manifestations. Secondary causes of trigeminal neuralgia are usually detected after an atypical clinical manifestation, such as ophthalmic rather than maxillary or mandibular nerve involvement, more than one branch affected, or bilateral symptoms. We present a patient who presented with trigeminal neuralgia as a primary manifestation, and after thorough evaluation she was diagnosed with intracranial hypertension as the underlying mechanism responsible of the trigeminal neuralgia.

Keywords: Trigeminal Neuralgia, Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, Meckel’s Cave, Intracranial Pressure.

Citation: Rivera M, Aguilar E, Perez A, Lopetegui F, Rocha N. Trigeminal Neuralgia as An Atypical Manifestation of Intracranial Hypertension. Case Report and Literature Review. SVOA Neurology 2023, 4:4, 84-88.