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Rare cause of trigeminal neuralgia: Meckel’s cave meningocele

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Abstract

The most common etiology of classic trigeminal neuralgia is vascular compression. However, other causes must be excluded. It is very unlikely that a meningocele presents with symptomatic trigeminal neuralgia. We present a rare case of a patient presenting with left trigeminal neuralgia. Thin-slice CT and MRI showed a transclival Meckel’s cave meningocele. The patient underwent endoscopic repair of the meningocele, which resulted in complete resolution of her symptoms. Meckel’s cave meningocele or encephalocele should be considered among the differential diagnoses of trigeminal neuralgia. Meningocele repair should be suggested as the first treatment option in this rare situation.

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Conflicts of interest

All authors certify that they have NO affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers’ bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. North Shore-LIJ Health System, Department of Neurosurgery, North Shore University Hospital, 300 Community Drive, 9 tower, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA

    Abdullah Alobaid, Justin Virojanapa & Amir R. Dehdashti

  2. Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore University Hospital, 300 Community Drive, 9 tower, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA

    Todd Schaeffer

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  1. Abdullah Alobaid
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  2. Todd Schaeffer
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  3. Justin Virojanapa
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  4. Amir R. Dehdashti
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Correspondence to Abdullah Alobaid.

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Alobaid, A., Schaeffer, T., Virojanapa, J. et al. Rare cause of trigeminal neuralgia: Meckel’s cave meningocele. Acta Neurochir 157, 1183–1186 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-015-2434-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-015-2434-4

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