Analysis of individualised strategy in microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of individualised microvascular decompression (MVD) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN), so as to provide individualised treatment strategies and new thoughts for treatment.Methods:Clinical data of 46 patients who had TN and treated in the Department of Neurosurgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2021 to September 2023 were retrospectively studied. The study consisted of 19 males and 27 females, with an average age of morbidity at (58.3 ± 9.0) years old. Preoperative pain ratings and surgical outcomes were evaluated using the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain rating scale, and of which 27 patients were rated at BNI grade IV and 19 at grade V before surgery. A posterior trans-sigmoid sinus approach was applied in surgery on all patients, which could be performed in various ways depending on the vascular conditions identified during surgery. Ten patients were treated with microsurgery, 12 with endoscopic surgery and 24 with combined endoscopic surgery and microsurgery. After having identified the responsible vessel(s), a vascular decompression for the affected trigeminal nerve was performed and the nerve decompression was achieved by a polyester pad. Long-term postoperative follow-ups were conducted via telephone interviews or outpatient visits.Results:A total of 46 patients received the microvascular decompression surgery. Among them, 43 cases (93.5%) achieved immediate and complete pain relief of BNI grade I after surgery, and 3 cases (6.5%) achieved partial pain relief of BNI grade Ⅱ. Four patients developed facial numbness and sensory reduction, 2 developed facial paralysis (of House-Brackmann grade Ⅱ of 1 patient and grade Ⅲ of the other), 8 developed pneumocephalus, 4 developed postoperative fever, and 2 developed subcutaneous effusion. After treatment, the pneumocephalus and fever were cured, subcutaneous effusion was disappeared in 1 patient, but remained in the other. The mean follow-up period for the 46 patients was 16.2 (1-33) months. During the follow-up, 2 of the 3 patients of BNI grade Ⅱ immediately after surgery had complete remission to BNI grade Ⅰ and the other had recurrence and aggravation at BNI grade Ⅳ.Conclusion:The complexity of the responsible vessels is one of the important factors to be considered in the microvascular decompression strategy for trigeminal neuralgia. An individualised surgical plan according to a specific vascular condition identified in the surgery, is a best possible or worthiness surgical strategy in the treatment for a TN.

Influencing factors for efficacy of microvascular decompression in primary trigeminal neuralgia / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective:To analyze the influencing factors for efficacy of microvascular decompression (MVD) in primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN).Methods:A retrospective study was performed. Clinical data of 178 patients with PTN underwent MVD at Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University from January 2018 to April 2022 were collected. Efficacy was evaluated according to Brisman's criteria. Differences of MVD efficacy in patients with different clinical characteristics or different neurovascular characteristics were compared. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent influencing factors for MVD efficacy.Results:All patients were followed up for about 2 years; at the last follow-up, 164 patients (92.13%) had good postoperative efficacy (130 were cured, 28 were obvious improved, and 6 were improved); 14 patients (7.87%) had poor postoperative efficacy (10 were ineffective and 4 were relapsed). No significant difference in surgical efficacy was noted among patients with different gender, age, left/right lateral pain, disease courses or pain degrees ( P>0.05). Patients with different contact degrees between the trigeminal nerve and blood vessels, different distances between the trigeminal nerve and blood vessels, and different curvature degrees of the posterior trigeminal nerve had significantly different surgical efficacy ( P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression indicated that contact degrees between the trigeminal nerve and blood vessels ( OR=0.233, 95% CI: 0.080-0.675, P=0.007), distances between the trigeminal nerve and blood vessels ( OR=6.991, 95% CI: 3.261-14.984, P=0.000), and curvature degrees of the posterior trigeminal nerve ( OR=0.351, 95% CI: 0.158-0.776, P<0.001) were independent influencing factors for postoperative outcomes. Conclusion:The postoperative efficacy is good in patients with slight contact between the trigeminal nerve and blood vessels, with distance between the trigeminal nerve and blood vessels greater than 1×time median width of the trigeminal nerve (WTN), or with hypotenuse height of the arced trigeminal nerve less than 1/2 WTN.

Task force of the Brazilian Society of Otology — evaluation and management of peripheral facial palsy

Abstract Objective To review key evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral facial palsy in children and adults. Methods Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on peripheral facial palsy were eligible for inclusion. The American College of Physicians' guideline grading system and the American Thyroid Association's guideline criteria were used for critical appraisal of evidence and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. Results The topics were divided into 2 main parts: (1) Evaluation and diagnosis of facial palsy: electrophysiologic tests, idiopathic facial palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, traumatic peripheral facial palsy, recurrent peripheral facial palsy, facial nerve tumors, and peripheral facial palsy in children; and (2) Rehabilitation procedures: surgical decompression of the facial nerve, facial nerve grafting, surgical treatment of long-term peripheral facial palsy, and non-surgical rehabilitation of the facial nerve. Conclusions Peripheral facial palsy is a condition of diverse etiology. Treatment should be individualized according to the cause of facial nerve dysfunction, but the literature presents better evidence-based recommendations for systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Comparison of perioperative multimodal analgesic regimens for patients with trigeminal neuralgia undergoing microvascular decompression surgery / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To explore a multimodal perioperative analgesia plan for patients undergoing microvascular decompression surgery for trigeminal neuralgia.Methods:Eighty patients who underwent microvascular decompression surgery for trigeminal neuralgia admitted to the Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from April 2017 to April 2019 were randomly divided into a nerve block group (group A) and a control group (group C) using a random number table method, with 40 patients in each group. The group A underwent surgical block of the lateral occipital and auricular nerves under ultrasound guidance before induction, with 3 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine used at each site. The group C did not undergo nerve block. Both groups received intravenous injections of midazolam, sufentanil, cisatracurium, etomidate, and lidocaine for anesthesia induction, followed by tracheal intubation and maintenance of anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil. After surgery, an analgesic pump was connected. The total amount of intraoperative use of sufentanil and remifentanil in both groups was recorded, as well as the pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and postoperative anesthesia related complications at 2, 6, 24, and 48 hours after surgery.Resultsl:The total amount of sufentanil and remifentanil used during surgery in the group A was less than that in the group C (all P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the group A patients was lower than that in the group C ( P<0.05), and the nausea and vomiting score was also lower than that in the group C ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of other postoperative complications (all P>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in VAS scores between the two groups at 6 hours after surgery ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Occipital and auricular nerve blockade can reduce the amount of opioid drugs used during microvascular decompression surgery in patients with trigeminal neuralgia, thereby reducing the incidence of nausea and vomiting. The postoperative analgesic effect is good.

Surgical Outcome of Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm: Symptom Control and Quality of Life / Resultado Cirúrgico da Descompressão Microvascular no Espasmo Hemifacial: Controle de Sintomas e Qualidade de Vida

Introduction Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is characterized by a segmental myoclonus of the face muscles innervated by the ipsilateral facial nerve. The accepted pathophysiology of HFS suggests that it is a disease process of the nerve root entry zone associated with any neuro-vascular conflict. Aim Review the surgical results and outcome regarding spasm control, post-operative quality of life and morbidity of microvascular decompression (MVD) for HFS from a Brazilian neurosurgical team. Method An observational investigation was conducted with data collection from patients with hemifacial spasm treated with MVD from January 2000 to December 2015 in two different centers in the West of São Paulo State, Brazil. Results A total of 152 patients underwent MVD for the treatment of HFS, ninety-eight (64.5%) female. Eighty-seven (57.2%) patients presented right-side spasms. The most common offending vessel was the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) with 78 (51.3%) patients. According to clinical presentation, an amount of 144 (94.7%) patients presented total control of symptoms after 36 months of follow-up. Regarding quality of life, a total of 125 (82.2%) patients referred normal quality of life after MVD for HFS and 121 (96.8%) from then were able to return to work or previous occupation. Permanent facial paresis / palsy was observed in 6 (3.6%) patients. There was no surgical mortality. Conclusion MVD for the treatment of HFS is a safe and efficacious surgical procedure to control spasm. Neurosurgeons experience, adequate patient selection and good anatomical knowledge are fundamental to success of the treatment.

Introdução O espasmo hemifacial (EHF) é caracterizado por mioclonia segmentar dos músculos da face inervados pelo nervo facial ipsilateral. A fisiopatologia aceita da EHF sugere que é um processo da doença da zona de entrada da raiz nervosa associada a conflito neuro-vascular. Objetivo Revisar os resultados e desfechos cirúrgicos em relação ao controle de espasmo, a qualidade de vida pós-operatória e a morbidade da descompressão microvascular (DMV) para EHF de uma equipe de neurocirurgia brasileira. Método Realizada investigação observacional com coleta de dados de pacientes com espasmo hemifacial tratados com DMV entre janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2015, em dois diferentes centros do Oeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Resultados Um total de 152 pacientes foram submetidos a DMV, noventa e oito (64,5%) do sexo feminino. Oitenta e sete (57,2%) pacientes apresentavam espasmos no lado direito. O conflito mais comum foi com a artéria cerebelar inferior posterior (PICA) em 78 (51,3%) pacientes. Um total de 144 (94,7%) pacientes apresentou controle total dos sintomas após 36 meses de acompanhamento. Em relação à qualidade de vida, 125 (82,2%) pacientes referiram qualidade de vida normal após a MVD para HFS e 121 (96,8%) puderam retornar ao trabalho/ocupação anterior. Paresia/paralisia facial permanentes foram observadas em 6 (3,6%) pacientes. Não houve mortalidade cirúrgica. Conclusão DMV para o tratamento da EHF é um procedimento cirúrgico seguro e eficaz para o controle do espasmo. A experiência dos neurocirurgiões, a seleção adequada dos pacientes e o bom conhecimento anatômico são fundamentais para o sucesso do tratamento.

CyberKnife Radiosurgery for refractory bilateral trigeminal neuralgia. Case report

Case description: A case of a 37-year-old female patient suffering from refractory bilateral trigeminal neuralgia is presented, who underwent various interventions such as acupuncture, block therapies and even microvascular decompression without effective pain relief. Clinical findings: Paresthesias and shooting-like twinges of pain intensity 10/10 in bilateral maxillary and mandibular branches of the trigeminal nerve, with nasal and intraoral triggers that made eating impossible, becoming increasingly severe since refractoriness to microvascular decompression and carbamazepines, triggering the twinges even during sleep, generating somnolence, depressive mood and social isolation. Treatment and results: The patient was evaluated by an interdisciplinary neuro-oncology team, where, in accordance with the analysis of the brain magnetic resonance imaging and the patient's history, it was indicated to perform Cyberknife® radiosurgery in monofraction on the left trigeminal and subsequently treat the contralateral trigeminal. When treated with Cyberknife® radiosurgery, the patient reported absolute improvement in her pain for 2 years. Clinical relevance: Radiosurgery by CyberKnife is not yet the first line of management in trigeminal neuralgia, however, it should be considered since several studies have managed to demonstrate an increase in the quality of life of patients and pain relief in refractory or severe cases. of said pathology.

Descripción del caso: Se presenta un caso de paciente femenino de 37 años que padecía neuralgia del trigémino bilateral refractaria, tratada con terapias alternativas, cirugía de descompresión microvascular, analgesia multimodal y terapias de bloqueo sin alivio efectivo del dolor. Hallazgos clínicos: Parestesias y punzadas tipo disparo de intensidad del dolor 10/10 en ramas maxilar y mandibular bilaterales del nervio trigémino, con gatillos nasales e intraorales que imposibilitaban comer, tornándose cada vez más severa desde refractariedad a descompresión microvascular y carbamazepinas, desencadenándose las punzadas incluso en el sueño, provocando somnolencia, animo depresivo y aislamiento social. Tratamiento y resultados: La paciente fue sometida a valoración por equipo interdisciplinario de neurooncología, donde en concordancia con el análisis de la resonancia magnética cerebral y los antecedentes de la paciente, se indicó realización de radiocirugía por Cyberknife en monofracción sobre trigémino izquierdo y posteriormente tratar el contralateral. Al ser tratada con radiocirugía Cyberknife® la paciente refiere mejora absoluta de su dolor desde hace 2 años. Relevancia clínica: La Radiocirugía por Cyberknife aún no es primera línea de manejo en neuralgia del trigémino, sin embargo, debería considerarse ya que diversos estudios han logrado demostrar un aumento en la calidad de vida de los pacientes y alivio del dolor en casos refractarios o graves de dicha patología.

Appropriate degree of neuromuscular block for monitoring abnormal muscle response during microvascular decompression / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To determine the appropriate degree of neuromuscular block (NMB) for abnormal muscle response (AMR) monitoring during microvascular decompression.Methods:Fifty American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients of both sexes, aged 20-64 yr, with body mass index≤30 kg/m 2, who were diagnosed with facial spasm before surgery, scheduled for elective microvascular decompression, were selected.Anesthesia was induced with midazolam 0.05-0.10 mg/kg, sufentanil 0.3-0.5 μg/kg and propofol 1.5-2.5 mg/kg. After patients lost consciousness, electrophysiological monitoring was performed, the zygomatic branch of the facial nerve was stimulated, and the baseline of AMR was recorded in the mental muscle.NMB was monitored with TOF-Watch SX monitor.After rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was intravenously injected, the amplitude and latency of AMR were measured at different degrees of NMB (100%, 75%, 50% and 25%). The amplitude reservation ratio (the ratio of the amplitude of AMR monitored to the baseline value) was calculated.Linear correlation of the amplitude reservation ratio or latency of AMR with the degree of NMB was analyzed.The criteria for determining the appropriate degree of NMB in AMR monitoring were: 1.amplitude reservation ratio of AMR≥50%; 2.no body movement during electrical stimulatation of facial nerve. Results:No patients had any body movement during electrical stimulation performed at different degrees of NMB.The amplitude reservation ratio ( Y) was negatively correlated with the degree of NMB ( X) ( r=-0.943, t=-42.73, P<0.001), the linear regression equation of the interaction between the degree of NMB ( X) and the amplitude reservation ratio (Y) was Y=90.36-0.894 7 X, and the coefficient of determination R2 was 0.8804 ( F=1825.41, P<0.001). The amplitude reservation ratio ( Y) was positively correlated with the degree of NMB ( X) ( r=0.879, t=28.67, P<0.001) in the latency period, the linear regression equation of the interaction between the degree of NMB ( X) and the latency ( Y) was Y=10.77+ 0.074 3 X, and the coefficient of determination R2 was 0.7681 ( F=821.30, P<0.001). The estimated appropriate degree of NMB for AMR monitoring during microvascular decompression was 25%-45%. Conclusions:The appropriate degree of NMB for AMR monitoring during microvascular decompression was 25%-45%.

Advances in diagnosis and treatment of primary hemifacial spasm / 中华全科医师杂志

Primary hemifacial spasm is a motor disorder of facial muscles related to facial nerve. During the attack, the facial muscles present irregular and involuntary clonus, which can be induced or aggravated by emotional excitement, mental tension and random facial movement, seriously affecting daily work and life. The pathogenesis, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and treatment of the primary hemifacial spasm have been studied extensively in recent years. This article reviews the progress in these aspects.

Recent advance in diagnosis and treatment of hemimasticatory spasm / 中华神经医学杂志

Hemimasticatory muscle spasm (HMS) is a rare disorder of masticatory muscle caused by abnormal motor branch of trigeminal nerve; it is similar to hemifacial muscle spasm in symptoms, but it is even rarer. So far, only dozens of cases have been reported internationally. At present, the etiology of HMS is not completely clear, among which demyelinating lesions caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve motor branch by deep tissues or blood vessels are generally accepted by scholars. Research progresses on the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment plans of HMS are reported as follows, in order to provide ideas for clinicians to better identify and treat the disease.

Evaluation value of abnormal muscle response monitoring in efficacy of microvascular decompression in primary hemifacial spasm / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective:To explore the evaluation value of abnormal muscle response (AMR) monitoring in efficacy of microvascular decompression in primary hemifacial spasm.Methods:A retrospective study was performed. Sixty-four patients with primary hemifacial spasm, admitted to our hospital from April 2019 to December 2020, were chosen. All patients underwent intraoperative AMR monitoring and were divided into AMR complete-disappeared group, AMR significant-changed group and AMR not significant-changed group according to the monitoring results. The relief of spasticity symptoms among the three groups was observed one week and one year after surgery. The specificity and sensitivity of AMR monitoring in evaluating the efficacy, the relations between intraoperative AMR changes and postoperative efficacy after microvascular decompression were analyzed.Results:The specificity and sensitivity of AMR monitoring in predicting spasmodic relief after microvascular decompression were 89.7% and 66.7%, respectively, at one week, and 86.7% and 50.0%, respectively, at one year. There were statistical differences in clinical remission rate one week after microvascular decompression among AMR complete-disappeared group ( n=46), AMR significant-changed group ( n=8) and AMR not significant-changed group ( n=10, P<0.05); there were no significant differences in clinical remission rate one year after microvascular decompression among the three groups ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in clinical remission rate one week and one year after microvascular decompression between patients having AMR complete disappearance before Teflon and patients having AMR complete disappearance after Teflon ( P>0.05). Conclusion:AMR monitoring has high specificity but modest sensitivity in predicting spasmodic relief after microvascular decompression; intraoperative AMR disappearance is associated with short-term efficacy, but it is not a reliable indicator for long-term efficacy; the time of disappearance of intraoperative AMR has no guiding significance in judging the efficacy of patients with primary hemifacial spasm.

Internal Neurolysis (Nerve Combing) for Trigeminal Neuralgia without Neurovascular Compression

Objective The aim of the present study was to describe and evaluate the initial and the long-term clinical outcome of internal neurolysis (IN) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) without neurovascular compression (NVC). Methods A total of 170 patients diagnosed with TN were treated by posterior fossa exploration, during the period between April 2012 and October 2019. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A (50 patients)was treated by IN and Group B (120 patients) received microvascular decompression (MVD). Surgical outcomes and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Pain intensity was assessed by the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity score and BNI facial numbness score. Pain recurrence was statistically evaluated with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results Pain was completely relieved in 44 patients (88%) who underwent IN (group A); 3 (6%) experienced occasional pain but did not require medication (BNI 2). In group B, 113 (94%) experienced immediate pain relief after MVD. The median duration of follow-ups was 4 years (6 months to 7.5 years). In Group A, there was a meantime recurrence of 27 months in 3 patients (6%). The recurrence in Group B was of 5.8% during the follow-up period. There were no statistically significant differences in the surgical outcomes between the two groups. All patients with IN experienced some degree of numbness, 88% of the cases resolved in 6 months, on average. Conclusion Internal neurolysis is an effective, safe and durable treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia when NVC is absent.

Trigeminal neuralgia recurrence: a comparison of microvascular decompression and percutaneous balloon compression: a five years follow-up study / Neuralgia do trigêmeo recorrente: uma comparação entre descompressão microvascular e compressão percutânea por balão: um estudo de acompanhamento de cinco anos

ABSTRACT Background: About 50% of patients that suffer from trigeminal neuralgia do not experience sustained benefit from the use of oral medication. For their adequate management, a few surgical procedures are available. Of these, percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) and microvascular decompression (MD) are two of the most performed worldwide. In this retrospective study, we present the outcomes of these techniques through estimation of initial pain relief and subsequent recurrence rate. Methods: Thirty-seven patients with medically refractory trigeminal pain surgically treated at Hospital Cajuru, Curitiba, Brazil, with PBC, MD or both between 2013 and 2018 were enrolled into this retrospective study. The post-procedural rate for pain relief and recurrence and associations between patient demographics and outcomes were analyzed. Results: MD had an earlier recurrence time than balloon compression. Of the 37 patients, the mean age was 61.6 years, approximately one third were male and most had type I neuralgia. The most affected branch was the maxillary (V2). The time for recurrence after surgery was on average 11.8 months for PBC and 9.0 months for MD. Complications were seen only with microsurgery. Conclusions: MD presented with a more precocious recurrence of pain than PBC in this article. Moreover, it had a higher recurrence rate than described in the literature as well, which is possibly explained by the type of graft (muscle) that was used to separate the neurovascular structures.

RESUMO Introdução: Cerca de 50% dos pacientes com neuralgia do trigêmeo não apresenta benefícios a longo prazo com o uso de medicação oral. Para a manutenção do tratamento, algumas opções cirúrgicas estão disponíveis, sendo a compressão percutânea por balão (CPB) e a descompressão microvascular (DM) algumas das modalidades mais realizadas em todo o mundo. Neste estudo retrospectivo, apresentamos os desfechos dessas técnicas por meio de estimativa da melhora inicial da dor e da taxa de recorrência subsequente. Métodos: Trinta e sete pacientes com dor trigeminal refratária ao tratamento medicamentoso tratados cirurgicamente no Hospital Cajuru, Curitiba, Brasil, com CPB, DM ou ambos entre 2013 e 2018 foram incluídos neste estudo retrospectivo. A taxa pós-procedimento para alívio e recorrência da dor e suas associações com a demografia e desfechos dos pacientes foram analisadas. Resultados: A DM foi associada a menor recorrência que a compressão por balão. Entre os 37 pacientes, a idade média foi de 61,6 anos, aproximadamente um terço eram do sexo masculino e a maioria apresentava neuralgia do tipo I. O ramo mais afetado foi o maxilar (V2). O tempo de recorrência após a cirurgia foi em média de 11,8 meses para CPB e 9,0 meses para DM. Foram vistas complicações apenas na microcirurgia. Conclusões: A DM apresentou recidiva mais precoce da dor em comparação à CPB. Além disso, apresentou uma taxa de recorrência mais alta do que a descrita na literatura, o que é possivelmente explicado pelo tipo de enxerto (músculo) usado para separar as estruturas neurovasculares.

Brainstem auditory evoked potentials combined with electrocochleogram in microvascular decompression / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEPs) combined with cochlear electrogram (ECochG) monitoring in the protection of auditory function during microvascular decompression (MVD) for patients with facial spasm (HFS).Methods:Clinical data of 908 patients with HFS who received MVD treatment in our hospital from January 2018 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into BAEPs group ( n=309), ECochG group ( n=301) and BAEPs+ECochG group ( n=298) according to the different methods of auditory nerve function monitoring. Waveform extraction rate, mean extraction time, amplitude, latency, intraoperative warning effect of 3 monitoring methods, as well as hearing status immediately after surgery and during follow-up were compared in patents from the 3 groups. Results:(1) The overall waveform extraction rate in ECochG group and BAEPs+ECochG group was significantly higher than that in BAEPs group, and the average waveform extraction time in ECochG group and BAEPs+ECochG group was significantly shorter than that in BAEPs group ( P<0.05). The amplitude of compound action potential (CAP) wave in ECochG group was significantly higher than that of V wave in BAEPs group, and the latency of CAP wave was also significantly earlier than that of V wave ( P< 0.05). (2) A total of 48 patients of the 288 patients in the BAEPs group showed warning signs; a total of 73 of the 292 patients in the ECochG group showed warning signs; and a total of 65 of the 292 patients in the BAEPs+ECochG group showed warning signs. (3) There was significant difference in hearing grading (American Association of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery [AAO-HNS] grading) among the 3 groups immediately after surgery ( H=18.041, P=0.000), and the average rank suggested that the hearing of patients in the BAEPs+ECochG group was superior to the other two groups. All patients were followed up for an average of 15 months (ranged 3-24 months); there was still a significant difference in AAO-HNS grading among the 3 groups ( H=29.625, P=0.000), and the hearing of patients in the BAEPs+ECochG group was still superior to the other two groups. Conclusion:The combined application of ECochG and BAEPs monitoring can reflect the changes of intraoperative hearing impairment comprehensively, accurately and timely, which is of great significance for the protection of auditory function in HFS patients during MVD.

Risk factors for severe hearing impairment after microvascular decompression for treatment of hemifacial spasm / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective:To study the risk factors for ipsilateral severe hearing impairment in patients with hemifacial spasm (HFS) after microvascular decompression (MVD).Methods:MVD was performed in 3700 patients with HFS, admitted to our hospital from October 2007 to August 2020; according to the existence of ipsilateral severe hearing impairment, these patients were divided into severe hearing impairment group and non-severe hearing impairment group. The clinical data of these patients were compared. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to determine the independent influencing factors for ipsilateral severe hearing impairment.Results:Forty-five patients (1.2%) had ipsilateral severe hearing impairment after MVD; no one got recovery of hearing impairment during the follow-up period (0.6-11.8 years, 6.3 years in average). As compared with those in the non-severe hearing impairment group, patients in the severe hearing impairment group had significantly older age, significantly higher percentages of male patients, and patients with left HFS, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, statistically higher percentage of patients having small posterior fossa volume, arachnoid thickening and adhesion, and vertebral artery compression, significantly lower percentage of patients with anterior inferior cerebellar artery compression, significantly higher percentage of patients with arteriosclerosis of offending arteries and difficult decompression ( P<0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that hypertension, vertebral artery compression, arteriosclerosis of offending artery and difficult decompression were independent risk factors for severe hearing impairment in patients with HFS after MVD. Conclusion:It's difficult to get recovery for severe hearing impairment in patients with HFS after MVD; this complication is much common in patients with hypertension, vertebral artery compression, arteriosclerosis of offending artery or difficult decompression.

Application of Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate Combined with Tropisetron in Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting under Microvascular Decompression of Hemifacial Spasm / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To evaluate the effect of methylprednisolone sodium succinate combined with tropisetron on postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV)under microvascular decompression of hemifacial spasm.Methods From January to June 2019,485 patients undergoing microvascular decompression for facial spasm at Department of Neurosurgery,Peking University People's Hospital were randomly assigned into two groups with random number table method.For group A(n=242),2 ml saline was administrated by intravenous drip before induction and 5 mg tropisetron after operation.For group B(n=243),40 mg methylprednisolone sodium succinate was administrated by intravenous drip before induction and 5 mg tropisetron after operation.The anesthesia time,operation time,and incidence of PONV in 0-24 h and 24-48 h were recorded for the comparison of the remedial treatment rate of nausea and vomiting between the two groups.Results There was no significant difference in age,gender,smoking history,body mass index value,American Society of Anesthesiologists score,medical history,surgical side,PONV history,operation time or anesthesia time between the two groups(all P > 0.05).The incidence of PONV in group A was 35.5% and 18.2% during 0-24 h and 24-48 h,respectively,which was significantly higher than that(18.5%,χ

Observation on the curative effect of trigeminal nerve microvascular decompression in the treatment of elderly trigeminal neuralgia / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To observe the efficacy of trigeminal nerve microvascular decompression in the treatment of elderly trigeminal neuralgia.Methods:A total of 96 elderly patients with trigeminal neuralgia admitted to our hospital from January 2015 to June 2016 were selected.48 patients were treated with percutaneous trigeminal semilunar ganglion radiofrequency thermocoagulation as a control group, and the other 48 patients were treated with trigeminal nerve microvascular decompression as the observation group.Efficacy indicators of post-operative pain severity scores, severity scores of post-operative complications, a sum of two categories of severity scores, which were compared between the two groups at one month and at 1, 3, 5 years after surgery.Results:One month after the operation, there was no significant differences in pain severity score, surgical complications severity scores, and a sum of two categories severity scores between the two groups of patients(all P>0.05). In the observation group versus the control group, pain severity scores were[(0.55±0.39)scores versus(0.94±0.61)scores, t=7.572, P=0.011 at 1 year after operation], [(0.81±0.61)versus(1.19±0.83)scores, t=7.513, P=0.012 at 3 years after operation]and[(1.13±0.65)and(1.55±0.91)scores, t=7.837, P=0.010 at 5 years after operation]respectively, showing more efficacy in observation group.In the observation group versus the control group, severity scores of surgical complications were[(0.39±0.28)and(0.67±0.49)scores, t=7.290, P=0.014, at 1 year after operation], [(0.65±0.37)and(0.94±0.55)scores, t=7.353, P=0.013 at 3 years after operation]and[(0.80±0.35)and(1.13±0.64)scores, t=7.475, P=0.012 at 5 years after operation], respectively, showing more efficacy in observation group.In the observation group versus the control group, overall efficacy from a sum of the two categories of severity scores were[(0.72±0.35)and(1.33±0.56)scorets, t=7.701, P=0.009 at 1 year after operation], [(1.21±0.49)and(1.78±0.70)scores, t=7.580, P=0.011 at 3 years after operation]and[(1.46±0.55)and(2.24±1.03)scores, t=8.026, P=0.007 at 5 years after operation], respectively, showing more efficacy in observation group.Overall, above three severity scores were lower than in the observation group than in the control group(all P<0.05). Conclusions:For elderly patients with trigeminal neuralgia, trigeminal nerve microvascular decompression has definite efficacy, long duration of pain relief, low incidence of surgical complications, and is safe and reliable, which is worthy of clinical application.

Descompresión Microvascular para el Tratamiento del Espasmo Hemifacial

Resumen El espasmo hemifacial se caracteriza por contracciones tonicoclónicas en los músculos inervados por el nervio facial, causado por la compresión del nervio facial por una arteria, generalmente la arteria cerebelosa anteroinferior o venas del ángulo pontocerebeloso. Suelen aparecer espontáneamente, debido a la tensión emocional, fatiga, y disminuyen durante el reposo. Se presenta entre los 13 a 77 años con una duración de los síntomas aproximadamente de ocho años. La inyección local de toxina botulínica puede ser efectiva en el tratamiento, y la descompresión microvascular está reservada para casos refractarios al tratamiento médico, con resolución completa entre el 85 al 93%. En este artículo, se resumen las principales características anatomo-clínicas, fisiopatológicas, y una descripción detallada de la descompresión microvascular como mejor opción terapéutica.

Abstract Hemifacial spasm is characterized by tonic-clonic contractions of the muscles innervated by the facial nerve. It is caused by compression of the facial nerve by a blood vessel, which usually is the anterior inferior cerebellar artery or the veins of the cerebello-pontine angle. It typically appears spontaneously, caused by emotional tension and fatigue, and it's reduced during rest. Likewise, it presents between the ages of 13 and 77 years, with a median duration of symptoms of eight years. Treatment with local botulinum toxin injection can be effective, and the Microvascular decompression is reserved for cases that are refractory to medical treatment, resulting in full spasm resolution in 85 to 93% of patients. This article summarizes the main anatomic-clinical and physio-pathological characteristics of hemifacial spasms. Additionally, a detailed description of microvascular decompression as the best therapeutic option is described in detail.

Descompresión microvascular para el tratamiento de la neuralgia del trigémino / Microvascular decompression for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia

La neuralgia del trigémino se define como (dolor paroxístico, unilateral, severo, penetrante, de corta duración y recurrente en la distribución de una o varias de las ramas del V par craneal). Puede ser esencial o secundaria. Su prevalencia es alta y ha ido aumentando junto con la expectativa de vida, constituye el 89% de las neuralgias faciales en personas mayores de 60 años. Su diagnóstico se basa en el cuadro clínico con exploración física y neurológica. Existen estudios complementarios como tomografía y resonancia de encéfalo, los cuales están enfocados a diferenciar entre una neuralgia esencial o secundaria. Esta patología continúa siendo una enfermedad desconocida para muchos médicos generales y lo que resulta aún peor, mal manejada por muchos de los especialistas encargados de la misma. En este trabajo se resumen las principales características anatomoclínicas, fisiopatológicas, y una descripción de la técnica quirúrgica de la descompresión microvascular como la mejor opción terapéutica para la neuralgia del trigémino.

Trigeminal neuralgia is defined as (paroxysmal, unilateral, severe, penetrating, short-term and recurrent pain in the distribution of one or more of the branches of the V cranial nerve). It can be essential or secondary. Its prevalence is high and has been increasing along with life expectancy; it constitutes 89% of facial neuralgia in people over 60 years. Their diagnosis is based on the clinically, physical and neurological examination. There are complementary studies such as tomography and brain resonance, which are focused on differentiating between an essential or secondary neuralgia. This pathology continues to be an unknown disease for many general physicians and what is even worse, poorly managed by many of the specialists in charge of it. This dossier abstracts the main anatomoclinic, pathophysiological characteristics, and a detailed description of microvascular decompression as the best therapeutic option for trigeminal neuralgia.

Asistencia Endoscópica en la Descompresión Microquirúrgica del Hemiespasmo Facial / Endoscopic Assistance in Microsurgical Decompression of Facial Hemiespasm

Introducción: El hemiespasmo facial primario (HFP) se produce por la hiperexcitabilidad del nervio facial y sus núcleos de origen como consecuencia de la compresión vascular. La cirugía de descompresión neurovascular se plantea como alternativa al tratamiento médico refractario. Objetivos: Presentar nuestra experiencia respecto a esta patología. Material y métodos: Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de pacientes operados por HPF refractarios a tratamiento médico en nuestra institución en los últimos 5 años (periodo 2014-2019). Todos fueron intervenidos vía retrosigmoidea. Se evaluaron datos demográficos, evaluación prequirúrgica y evolución postoperatoria. Resultados: Se operaron 4 pacientes bajo técnica microquirúrgica asistido por endoscopía. Edad promedio 52 años (rango 41-61) con una relación femenino masculino 3:1. El 25% (n=1) presentaba paresia facial grado 2 (HB) en el prequirúrgico. No hubo cambios en cuanto al grado de paresia facial en el postoperatorio en ningún caso. Sólo un paciente registró caída leve en la audiometría postquirúrgica. El 75% (n=3) resolvieron el HFP. Conclusión: Si bien nuestra serie es acotada a un número reducido de pacientes, la cirugía descompresiva microvascular es efectiva como alternativa al tratamiento médico refractario del HFP.

Introduction: Primary hemifacial spasm (PHS) is defined as the hyper excitability of the nerve due to the compression of the facial nerve or its nuclei, most commonly by a vascular structure. The surgical indication for microvascular decompression is resistance to pharmacological treatment or severe adverse effects. Objectives: To present our experience in the surgical treatment of this pathology with this novel technique. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients (n=4) with a diagnosis of PHS, who underwent endoscope-assisted microvascular decompression surgery in our institution during the last 5 years. In all the cases, we choose the retrosigmoid approach. We evaluated demographic data, preoperative evaluation, and post-operative evolution. Results: Endoscope-assisted microvascular decompression was the surgical technique in all the patients. The median age was 52 years, the female-male ratio of 3:1. Only one patient presented a grade 2 facial palsy (House-Brackmann scale) in the preoperative evaluation; there were no significant changes in the post-operative evaluation in any patient. Only one patient experienced worsening in the post-operative audiometric follow-up. The 75% (n=3) of the patients solved the HFP after the surgical treatment. Conclusion: By taking into account our experience in this small case series, we can support the concept that endoscope-assisted microvascular decompression is as effective as the open surgical treatment of the PHS.

Applied value of vascular compression grading in prognosis evaluation of patients with trigeminal neuralgia / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of trigeminal nerve vascular compression grading evaluated by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) after microvascular decompression (MVD).Methods:Two hundred and seventy patients with TN accepted MVD in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2017 were chosen in our study; their clinical and MRI data were retrospectively analyzed. By referring to Sindou's method and Jannetta standard, these patients were divided into patients with mild vascular compression ( n=71) and patients with severe vascular compression ( n=199) according to preoperative MRI data; these patients were divided into typical TN patients ( n=219) and atypical TN patients ( n=51) according to their symptomatic characteristics; the differences in prognoses after one year of follow-up were compared among patients from different categories. Results:The degree of intraoperative vascular compression was basically consistent with the preoperative imaging evaluation results, and the intraoperative vascular compression in 256 patients was consistent with preoperative imaging evaluation grading, with a coincidence rate of 94.8% (256/270). The difference in prognosis between patients with mild vascular compression and patients with severe vascular compression was statistically significant ( Z=-3.420, P=0.001), and the mean rank indicated that the prognosis of patients with severe vascular compression was better than that of patients with mild vascular compression (142.01 vs. 117.25). The prognosis difference between typical TN patients and atypical TN patients was statistically significant ( Z=-5.810, P=0.000), and the mean rank indicated that the prognosis of typical TN patients was better than that of atypical TN patients (144.45 vs. 97.08). Conclusions:Preoperative MR imaging evaluation is a reliable method to assess the degree of vascular compression. Patients with severe vascular compression and typical TN have high postoperative pain relief rate after MVD.