Trigeminal Neuralgia With Concomitant Continuous Pain Due to Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectasia: A Case Report

Abstract

This passage discusses a case of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) with continuous pain and hemifacial spasm caused by vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia, a rare condition. The patient experienced ongoing orofacial pain, which initially led to dental treatments. After unsuccessful medication (carbamazepine), the patient underwent microvascular decompression to alleviate nerve compression by the elongated vertebral artery. This report highlights the challenge of treating such cases due to the unique nature of neurovascular compression. Additionally, it introduces the concept of TN with concomitant continuous pain and emphasizes the need for comprehensive diagnosis, as vertebrobasilar artery elongation is associated with various symptoms, including TN and hemifacial spasms.

Keywords: hemifacial spasms; microvascular decompression; trigeminal neuralgia with concomitant continuous pain; vertebral basilar artery; vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia.