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Acta Neurochirurgica
Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica 1/2018

01-01-2018 | Original Article - Functional

Microvascular decompression for glossopharyngeal neuralgia: a retrospective analysis of 228 cases

Authors: Lei Xia, Yong-Sheng Li, Ming-Xing Liu, Jun Zhong, Ning-Ning Dou, Bin Li, Shi-Ting Li

Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is an uncommon craniofacial pain syndrome caused by neurovascular conflict. Compared to trigeminal neuralgia or hemifacial spasm, the incidence of GPN was very low. Until now, little is known about the long-term outcome following microvascular decompression (MVD) process.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2016, 228 idiopathic GPN patients underwent MVD in our department. Those cases were retrospectively reviewed with emphasis on intraoperative findings and long-term postoperative outcomes. The average period of follow-up was 54.3 ± 6.2 months.

Results

Intraoperatively, the culprit was identified as the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) in 165 cases (72.3%), the vertebral artery (VA) in 14 (6.1%), vein in 10 (4.4%), and a combination of multiple arteries or venous offending vessels in 39 (17.2%). The immediately postoperative outcome was excellent in 204 cases (89.5%), good in 12 (5.3%), fair in 6 (2.6%) and poor in 6 (2.6%). More than 5-year follow-up was obtained in 107 cases (46.9%), which presented as excellent in 93 (86.9%), good in 6 (5.6%), fair in 3 (2.8%) and poor in 5 (4.7%). Thirty-seven (16.2%) of the patients experienced some postoperative neurological deficits immediately, such as dysphagia, hoarseness and facial paralysis, which has been improved at the last follow-up in most cases, except 2.

Conclusions

This investigation demonstrated that MVD is a safe and effective remedy for treatment of GPN.
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Metadata
Title
Microvascular decompression for glossopharyngeal neuralgia: a retrospective analysis of 228 cases
Authors
Lei Xia
Yong-Sheng Li
Ming-Xing Liu
Jun Zhong
Ning-Ning Dou
Bin Li
Shi-Ting Li
Publication date
01-01-2018
Publisher
Springer Vienna
Published in
Acta Neurochirurgica / Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 0001-6268
Electronic ISSN: 0942-0940
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-017-3347-1

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