An ectopic cranial nerve identified during surgery in the posterior fossa for hemifacial spasm: a word of caution.
Variations of cranial nerve morphology may effect surgical technique and, if not appreciated, lead to complications and iatrogenic injury. The authors report an unusual course of the hypoglossal nerve within the posterior cranial fossa observed during microvascular decompression surgery for hemifacial spasm.
Tubbs
R Shane
RS
Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital, Birmingham, AL, USA.
Lau
Ryan R
RR
Cohen-Gadol
Aaron A
AA
D003388:Cranial Fossa, Posterior; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D005260:Female; D019569:Hemifacial Spasm / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007002:Hypoglossal Nerve / Q000002:abnormalities*; D007427:Intracranial Pressure; D008875:Middle Aged