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Intraoperative monitoring of sensory part of the trigeminal nerve using blink reflex during microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia

  • Case Report - Vascular
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Abstract

Intraoperative monitoring during cerebellopontine angle surgery is widely accepted. While techniques which monitor cranial motor nerves are commonly used, monitoring the sensory afferents has been challenging. Considering the reflex arc, blink reflex (BR) might be useful in monitoring the sensory part of the trigeminal nerve, the brainstem connections and the facial nerve. We describe the case of a patient who developed hemifacial hypoesthesia after microvascular decompression surgery for trigeminal neuralgia. Intraoperative BR showed a severe loss of R1 amplitude. BR might be a useful intraoperative technique to monitor the sensory part of the trigeminal nerve.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the neurophysiology technician staff of S. Anna University-Hospital, Ferrara.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Division of Neurology, ‘S. Anna’ University-Hospital, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44121, Cona, Ferrara, Italy

    Valentina Simioni, J. G. Capone, E. Sette & V. Tugnoli

  2. Department of Biomedical and Surgical Science, Section of Neurological, Psychiatric and Psychological Sciences, ‘S. Anna’ University-Hospital, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44121, Cona, Ferrara, Italy

    E. Granieri

  3. Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Division of Neurosurgery, ‘S. Anna’ University-Hospital, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44121, Cona, Ferrara, Italy

    M. Farneti & M. A. Cavallo

Authors
  1. Valentina Simioni
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  2. J. G. Capone
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  3. E. Sette
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  4. E. Granieri
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  5. M. Farneti
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  6. M. A. Cavallo
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  7. V. Tugnoli
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Correspondence to Valentina Simioni.

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The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The patient has consented to submission of this case report to the journal.

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Simioni, V., Capone, J.G., Sette, E. et al. Intraoperative monitoring of sensory part of the trigeminal nerve using blink reflex during microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia. Acta Neurochir 160, 165–169 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-017-3405-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-017-3405-8

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