Strategical implications of aneurysmal cranial nerve compression

Intracranial aneurysms may manifest clinically by inducing neurological symptoms, including cranial nerve dysfunction. In unruptured aneurysms, this may result from mass effect and the pulsation of the sac. Aneurysm rupture and sudden expansion of a pseudo-sac may precipitate the appearance of cranial nerve deficits. Symptomatic aneurysms should be treated. Surgery reduces mass effect and arterial pulsations, and removes clot after rupture. Endovascular treatment decreases pulsatility of the sac. Recovery has been reported after both treatments. It appears more reproducible after surgery, but the data of current literature remains weak. The possible advantage of surgery is an argument among others that must be considered in the choice of the most adequate therapeutic approach.