title: A case of trigeminal-vagal neuralgia relieved by peripheral self-stimulation.
abstract: A case of simultaneous trigeminal and vagoglossopharyngeal neuralgia is described. No microvascular compression was seen at the trigeminal complex while the origin of vagoglossopharyngeal pain could have been due either to Chiari malformation or microvascular compression of the IX-X nerve complex. Decompressive surgery was ineffective. The patient could completely block his facial painful fits by strongly pinching the anterior axillary fold. This case militates against peripheral theories of facial neuralgias, including microvascular compression and ganglion ignition focus theories, and supports a central origin thereof.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences, Ospedale Molinette, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Torino, Italy. vbonica@libero.it
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bonicalzi
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Canavero
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001139:Arnold-Chiari Malformation / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D001365:Axilla / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009433:Neural Inhibition / Q000502:physiology; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000502:physiology; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D012008:Recurrence; D013127:Spinal Nerves / Q000502:physiology; D014110:Touch / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014277:Trigeminal Neuralgia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D020421:Vagus Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D061223:Vagus Nerve Injuries; D014711:Vertebral Artery / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery