We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Microvascular decompression for glossopharyngeal neuralgia: a long-term retrospectic review of the Milan-Bologna experience in 31 consecutive cases.
- Authors
Ferroli, Paolo; Fioravanti, Antonio; Schiariti, Marco; Tringali, Giovanni; Franzini, Angelo; Calbucci, Fabio; Broggi, Giovanni
- Abstract
To examine surgical findings and results of microvascular decompression (MVD) for glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GN). Between 1990 and 2007, 31 consecutive patients affected by drug-resistant GN underwent MVD through a retromastoid keyhole in the supine position with the head rotated to the opposite side. A retrospective analysis was performed that paid particular attention to the relationship among surgical technique, pain control and side effects. A vascular compression of the glossopharyngeal nerve was found in all cases. Twenty-eight out of 31 patients (90.3%) were found to be pain free without medication at long-term follow-up (1–17 years, mean 7.5 years). Three patients (9.7%) were found to require medication to control pain paroxysms that were less frequent and less severe than those observed preoperatively. Two patients required repeated surgery for a drug-resistant recurrence of pain for a total of 33 MVDs. We observed no mortality and did not find any long-term surgical morbidity. Cranial nerve impairment, when observed, always resolved in the following months. MVD is a safe and effective treatment for GN in patients of all ages.
- Subjects
MICROCIRCULATION disorders; GLOSSOPHARYNGEAL nerve; CRANIAL nerves; OPERATIVE surgery; SUPINE position
- Publication
Acta Neurochirurgica, 2009, Vol 151, Issue 10, p1245
- ISSN
0001-6268
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00701-009-0330-5