Arteriovenous malformation: a rare cause of trigeminal neuralgia identified by magnetic resonance imaging with constructive interference in steady state sequences

Trigeminal neuralgia secondary to arteriovenous malformation in the brainstem: a case report and a brief review

Trigeminal neuralgia, a condition characterized by high intensity, paroxysmal and unilateral pain, can be characterized as secondary when associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis and tumors. However, among these secondary cases, there are also arteriovenous malformations, characterized by a nidus mass of vessels separated by parts of sclerotic tissues, responsible for a small portion of the neuralgias of the trigeminal nerve. The case report described is of a 54-year-old male patient who has a brainstem AVM and refers to lancing and paroxysmal pain in the right hemiface in the territories of V2 and V3 after feeding and brushing the teeth. The treatment of this patient was done from the insertion of a balloon from the foramen ovale, accessed by the Meckel fossa and the trigeminal ganglion. The literature review demonstrated, from the analysis of gender, age, vascularization, localization and treatments of reports of TGN secondary to brainstem AVM, the reduced number of cases described.

Trigeminal neuralgia caused by brain arteriovenous malformations: A case report and literature review

Few cases of trigeminal neuralgia (TGN) induced by brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) have previously been reported. The present case report described one case of TGN caused by bAVMs in a 32-year-old male patient who suffered from recurrent pain in his right cheek for a period of two years, for whom the seizure frequency and duration of pain increased for 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed, which demonstrated flow-void signals in the abnormal vessels in the right cerebellopontine angle. Subsequent digital subtraction angiography confirmed the diagnosis of bAVMs, and showed the nidus was fed by the right superior cerebellar and the right anterior inferior cerebellar, and drained into the adjacent venous sinuses on the same side. The patient underwent an interventional embolization treatment. TGN was completely relieved following embolization of the majority of the bAVMs. Pain relief may be associated with blocking of the pulsatile compression of the feeding arteries of the bAVMs, the arterialized draining veins or the malformed niduses following embolization, which is similar to the effects induced by microvascular decompression surgery of the trigeminal nerve. In the present case study and review, the underlying mechanism and treatment strategy of TGN caused by bAVMs were discussed in the context of present case, and a literature review was carried out.

Trigeminal neuralgia: pain, pricks, and anxiety

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is one of the most common forms of neuralgia experienced by older adults. Early in the course of the illness, individuals may be misdiagnosed, with associated delays in treatment. The current article uses an individual example to provide a framework for assessment and clinical management. Because pain associated with TN may be chronic, specific quality of life issues and related management approaches are presented, as well as guidelines for monitoring response to treatment. Targeted strategies to prevent pain triggers and suggestions for supportive coaching provide direction for health providers caring for older adults with TN.

Trigeminal neuralgia caused by nerve compression by dilated superior cerebellar artery associated with cerebellar arteriovenous malformation: case report

Intracranial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare cause of trigeminal neuralgia (TGN). In this presented case, successful resolution of AVM-related TGN following embolization and gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) was obtained. A patient suffered from TGN on the left side, which was thought to be caused by root entry zone compression by dilated superior cerebellar artery (SCA) associated with cerebellar AVM. The cerebellar vermis AVM was embolized in endovascular surgery. The AVM was reduced in size and TGN was partially relieved. The patient subsequently underwent GKRS for the residual nidus. TGN was completely resolved within one year and a half. GKRS following embolization of the nidus improved the flow-related dilation of the SCA and completely relieved TGN.

Diagnostic imaging for temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain

The focus of this article is diagnostic imaging used for the evaluation of temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain patients. Imaging modalities discussed include conventional panoramic radiography, panoramic temporomandibular joint imaging mode, cone beam computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The imaging findings associated with common diseases of the temporomandibular joint are presented and indications for brain imaging are discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of each imaging modality are presented as well as illustrations of the various imaging techniques.