Hydrocephalus and trigeminal neuralgia: exploring the association and management options.

We report the successful surgical management of three patients with trigeminal neuralgia and hydrocephalus. MRI revealed no neurovascular contact at the trigeminal root entry zone. Trigeminal neuralgic symptoms were controlled following alleviation of hydrocephalus. We hypothesize that trigeminal nerve traction, secondary to hydrocephalus, as the cause for their trigeminal neuralgia.