Chiari Type I malformation presenting as glossopharyngeal neuralgia: Case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Chiari Type I malformation is an important pathol ogical state in which the brainstem is compressed by the cerebellar tonsil. We present a case of glossopharyngeal neuralgia caused by Chiari Type I ma lformation. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old male patient was admitted with glossop haryngeal neuralgia. Magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed caudal dis placement of the left cerebellar tonsil. INTERVENTION: Small occipital craniectomy and C1 laminectomy were performed . The left cerebellar tonsil was resected. CONCLUSION: This glossopharyngeal neuralgia was caused by compression of th e lower cranial nerves and brainstem by the displaced left cerebellar tonsi l. Decompression and pain relief were obtained with resection of the cerebe llar tonsil. The patient was pain-free 30 weeks after the operation.