Abstract
Schwannomas involving the foramen magnum commonly originate from the lower cranial
nerves, but they are rarely found arising from the first cervical root. To date, very
few cases have been described in the literature. The majority involve either the intradural
or extradural compartment but not both. We report the second case of a dumbbell-shaped
schwannoma arising from the first cervical root. Our patient presented with hemisensory
deficits secondary to brainstem compression at the level of the foramen magnum. The
patient underwent a far lateral approach, and a gross total resection was achieved.
Preoperative suspicion of the diagnosis is helpful in anticipating displacement and
avoiding damage to the surrounding neurovascular structures.
Keywords
schwannoma - C1 - first cervical nerve root - dumbbell shape - foramen magnum mass
