Connection between prior brain surgery and trigeminal neuralgia

[sandj37]

I am a 38 year old female who was just recently diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia.  Back in 2003, I had brain surgery to remove a pinealoma and had a shunt placed less than a month later due to meningitis and hydrocephalus.  My question is whether trigeminal neuralgia could be caused by scar tissue from the brain surgery.  I understand that the trigeminal nerve begins at the base of the skull which is where my incision began for brain surgery.  I have an appt. with a new neurologist on Nov. 11th and will be requesting an MRI with contrast to try and confirm that this is what is going on.  From the syptoms given, it sounds exactly like what I am experiencing.  Thank you in advance for your response.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
Yes trigeminal nerve can get compressed by thickened fibrous tissue of the scar. However nothing can be said for sure without an MRI exam. Do let us know the results of your test.
Take care!

[ampky]

Forgot to mention, you may also want to consider an infection from the shunt.

[ampky]

Has your doc considered giving you Accyclovir for a virus (such as the "cold sore virus"- HSV-1 or the virus causing chickenpox)?  They can lay dormant in the trigeminal nerve.

I, too, had brain surgery in 2003 and am a 37,F who will be having an MRA/MRI soon and also hope for answers!

Best wishes!