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Microvascular decompression may be an effective treatment for nervus intermedius neuralgia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 January 2011

S J F Saers
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head Neck Surgery, Central Military Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands
K S Han
Affiliation:
Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
J A de Ru*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head Neck Surgery, Central Military Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands
*
Address for correspondence: KTZAR Dr J A de Ru, Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head Neck Surgery, Central Military Hospital Utrecht, Lundlaan 1, 3584 EZ Utrecht, The Netherlands Fax: 0031 (0)302502240 E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Objective:

To report microvascular decompression as a possible effective treatment for patients with nervus intermedius neuralgia, and to contribute to the literature regarding both this syndrome and this specific form of treatment.

Method:

Case report of a patient with intermedius neuralgia. The main complaint was severe otalgia in the area innervated by the nervus intermedius, possibly caused by neurovascular compression of the nervus intermedius by the anterior inferior cerebellar artery. Microvascular decompression was undertaken, with good results.

Results:

Post-operatively, the patient felt immediate and total relief of her otalgia, with normal facial nerve function and no otological morbidity. One year post-operatively, she was still free from otalgia.

Conclusion:

Patients with nervus intermedius neuralgia who do not respond to medical treatment may benefit from microvascular decompression.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2011

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