Features of trigeminal nerve exit on the base of the brain: neurovascular conflict

Abstract

The trigeminal nerve is a complex anatomical formation that performs very important tasks in terms of functionality. This article focuses on the study of the exit of the trigeminal nerve and its syntopy with arteries. It is the study of the location of nearby vessels relative to the nerve and their neurovascular conflict that determines the relevance of this work. The prevalence of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is quite high and amounts to 40–60 patients per 100,000 population, and the incidence according to the World Health Organization is within 2–4 people per 10,000 population. The maximum risk of neurovascular conflict is observed in the age group of people from 45 to 60 years. It is also known that women suffer from neuralgia significantly more often than men. Not only the exact diagnosis, but also the selection of the most appropriate treatment tactics will depend on the result of studies of the individual anatomical features of the pons area. The authors of the article studied 17 preparations of the base of the brain of middle-aged individuals, fixed in a 7 % formalin solution. Of the 17 preparations studied, neurovascular relationships were noted in 14, which is 82.4 % of the total. As a result of morphometric measurements, the data on the length and width of the pons, the thickness of the trigeminal nerve roots, and the middle cerebellar peduncles were obtained. Statistical data processing and photographic documentation were carried out. The clinical manifestations of the disease, diagnostic options, and various methods of treatment were considered. The most effective method of treating neurovascular conflict is surgery, the first mention of which dates back to 1934.