Neurovascular Compression Syndromes

Neurovascular compression syndromes include disorders such as:

• Facial Pain
• Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Hemifacial Spasm
• Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
• Torticollis
• Vertigo
• Tinnitus

Causes

Neurovascular compression syndromes are caused by blood vessels compressing the trigeminal nerve root as it enters the brain stem. This neurovascular or microvascular compression at the trigeminal nerve root entry zone may be caused by arteries or veins, large or small, that may simply contact or indent the trigeminal nerve. In people without TN, blood vessels are usually not in contact with the trigeminal nerve root entry zone.

Treatment

Microvascular decompression of the involved cranial nerve is often offered to those in whom medical therapy has failed, and in whom vascular compression is thought to be the etiology of the specific syndrome.

The overall management of some of these syndromes involves the participation of several specialists:

• Neurosurgery
• Neurology
• Neuroradiology
• Psychologists
• Otology
• Physical Therapy