[The microsurgical decompression of the accessory nerve in spasmodic torticollis]

Abstract

Microsurgical decompression of the accessory nerve was conducted in 10 patients with spasmodic torticollis (tonic and tonic-clonic forms). Compression of the roots of the accessory nerve of the posterior inferior cerebellar and the vertebral arteries was discovered. Decompression was accomplished by division of the arachnoid adhesions, anastomosis with sensory roots of C1 and C2, and placing a layer of muscular tissue between the nerve and the vessel. The results of treatment of spasmodic torticollis are analysed and the efficacy of neurovascular decompression is emphasized.