Unusual case of trigeminal neuralgia caused by remote effect of dermoid cyst in the ipsilateral cerebellar hemisphere

Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia is generally caused by compression of the ascular structures on the trigeminal nerve. Trigeminal neuralgia aused by brain tumor in the ipsilateral cerebellopontine angle CPA) cistern is less common and accounts for 5–10% of cases of rigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia caused by tumors in the ontralateral CPA cistern or supratentorial region are very rare and ause only 0.4% of cases [1]. This type of neuralgia is due to the o-called remote effect as a false localizing sign of tumor [1,2]. Here, we describe a case of trigeminal neuralgia caused by a deroid cyst, mainly located in the ipsilateral cerebellar hemisphere nd originating from the diploic space of occipital bone, which was ot attached to the trigeminal nerve. The neuralgia was completely elieved after surgical resection of the tumor.