Neuro vascular relationship between superior cerebellar artery and trigeminal nerve

One of the mechanisms suggested for the etiology of trigeminal neuralgia is compression and distortion of the nerve in the pontine zone by the superior and anterior inferior cerebellar arteries or their branches. Conflicting reports have been presented by various workers on this issue. The present study was conducted on cadaveric specimens. The superior cerebellar artery was found to be in contact with the trigeminal nerve in 34.1% and within 1 - 2 mm in 19.5% of cases. Other features of the neuro-vascular relationship were also studied. It is concluded that due to its very close relationship the superior cerebellar artery could possibly cause compression and distortion of the trigeminal nerve