Trigeminal neuralgia associated with seizure and syncope

Abstract

✓ A patient with trigeminal neuralgia experienced a generalized seizure and a prolonged syncopal episode. He was found to be asystolic during the syncopal episode. There was no recurrence of loss of consciousness after implantation of a pacemaker. Mechanical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve during craniotomy for microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve resulted in bradycardia. Since vascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve, there has been no recurrent facial pain, and no further syncope, seizures, or bradycardia. Syncope and seizures have not been previously reported in association with trigeminal neuralgia, although they are well described with glossopharyngeal neuralgia.