Background
Sensitisation of the trigeminal nerve (TG) has been extensively studied as a potential mechanism of migraine. Meningeal nociceptors project onto second order neurones of the trigeminocervical complex (TCC) via glutamate neurotransmission. Sensitisation of trigeminal afferents causes massive release of glutamate and central sensitisation. The TCC connects with the VII, IX and Xth cranial nerve nuclei, and participates in the trigeminocardiac reflex which is particularly important in the young .
Aim
In the laboratory, application of 'inflammatory soup' causes increased trigeminal sensitisation and increased responsiveness so that dural afferents can be strongly activated by mechanical and other stimuli that initially had evoked little or no response. We wished to show that bleeding in the human dura, which produces an inflammatory response and increased mast cell numbers, may sensitise the trigeminal system.
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Method
We examined our autopsy database for infants and children with chronic subdural haemorrhage who collapsed and died unexpectedly.(Local Research Ethics and NHS research governance approved the study (10/H0604/83) (Ref 6321)).
Results
We identified four patients with chronic dural haemorrhage who died following following TG stimulation; one by hypertension and three by oronasal stimulation during choking. All had selective necrosis in the spinal nucleus of the TCC at autopsy.
Conclusion
We suggest these cases represent excitotoxic damage in the presence of sensitisation by chronic dural haemorrhage. Collapse may have been mediated by the trigeminocardiac reflex resulting in bradycardia, hypotension and apnoea. Exaggeration of this protective response has been implicated in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
No conflict of interest.
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