Anatomy and clinical significance of the trigeminocerebellar artery

The trigeminocerebellar artery (TCA) is a unique branch of the basilar artery supplying both the trigeminal nerve root and the cerebellar hemisphere. In this study, we describe and demonstrate the microanatomy of the TCA in 45 brainstems and discuss the neurological, neuroradiological and neurosurgical significance. This is the largest series of cadavers in the literature. The close relationship of the TCA to the trigeminal nerve root may have clinical implications including for the etiology of trigeminal neuralgia, thus the neurosurgeon must be aware of the vasculature of the trigeminal nerve root area and the anatomical variations.