Microvascular decompression may be an effective treatment for nervus intermedius neuralgia

Objective: To report microvascular decompression as a possible effective treatment for patients with nervus intermedius neuralgia, and to contribute to the literature regarding both this syndrome and this specific form of treatment. Method: Case report of a patient with intermedius neuralgia. The main complaint was severe otalgia in the area innervated by the nervus intermedius, possibly caused by neurovascular compression of the nervus intermedius by the anterior inferior cerebellar artery. Microvascular decompression was undertaken, with good results. Results: Post-operatively, the patient felt immediate and total relief of her otalgia, with normal facial nerve function and no otological morbidity. One year post-operatively, she was still free from otalgia. Conclusion: Patients with nervus intermedius neuralgia who do not respond to medical treatment may benefit from microvascular decompression.