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

BackgroundNeurovascular 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.CaseWe 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.ConclusionWe discussed the hypothesis of combined three or more NVCs development, especially the central hyperactivity of the cranial nerve nuclei mechanism.

Automated summary

We reported a rare case of combined four neurovascular compression syndromes in a 41-year-old woman. The patient presented with left hemifacial spasm, left glossopharyngeal neuralgia, left type-writer tinnitus, and vestibular paroxysmia. Microvascular decompression resolved all the symptoms without recurrence in a one-year follow-up. This case report contributes to the understanding of the development mechanism of combined multiple neurovascular compression syndromes.