Microvascular decompression of a developmental venous anomaly in the cerebellopontine angle causing trigeminal neuralgia

Abstract

We describe an apparently unique case of a patient with a trigeminal neuralgia caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve during its course by the draining vein of a developmental venous anomaly in the cerebellopontine angle. Typical symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia disappeared completely after microvascular decompression of the nerve. Neuroradiological findings, as well as particularities of this case are described and therapeutic options are discussed.