Background:
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) may rarely be the presenting or only symptom of Chiari 1 malformation (CM). Isolated case reports have described resolution of TN following craniocervical decompression where TN is present in association with CM.
Case report:
This report discusses an unusual case of pure TN associated with CM that was successfully treated with craniocervical decompression and duroplasty and reviews the limited literature on the subject.
Conclusion:
TN may be the sole presenting symptom of CM and can be successfully managed with craniocervical decompression. Clinicians should be aware of the association of TN with CM and consider surgical management.