Combined four neurovascular compression syndromes: the first case report and literature review

Abstract

Abstract Background Neurovascular compression syndromes (NVCs) are cranial nerve syndromes caused by direct contact or compression of vascular structures on the cranial nerves at the root exit/entry zone. Cases of combined NVCs are extremely rare. Case We reported the first case of a 41-year-old woman with combined four NVCs presenting with left hemifacial spasm followed by simultaneous left glossopharyngeal neuralgia, left type-writer tinnitus and vestibular paroxysmia due to the left posterior inferior cerebellar artery compression at the root exit/entry of the left facial, vestibulocochlear and glossopharyngeal nerves. All the symptoms resolved immediately after microvascular decompression without recurrence in a period of follow-up for one year. In addition, we presented a literature review of combined three or more NVCs. Conclusion We discussed the hypothesis of combined three or more NVCs development, especially the central hyperactivity of the cranial nerve nuclei mechanism.

Keywords

• Neurovascular compression syndromes
• Glossopharyngeal neuralgia
• Hemifacial spasm
• Type-writer tinnitus
• Vestibular paroxysmia