Cervical intradural traumatic neuroma without history of trauma: illustrative case

BACKGROUND Traumatic neuroma typically refers to a reactive process in the injured peripheral nerve, characterized by an excessive growth of axons, Schwann cells, and fibroblasts at the proximal end of the nerve after its interruption. The authors report a case of a traumatic neuroma in the cervical nerve root in a patient with no history of trauma. OBSERVATIONS The patient presented with sensation loss in the right-hand ulnar distribution, right flank around the T4–11 region, and right small toe along with motor power weakness over the right upper and lower extremity. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intradural extramedullary mass lesion with extension along the C7 nerve root. Histological examination showed traumatic neuroma. A total resection of the lesion along with the resolution of sensory and motor deficits was achieved directly after surgery. LESSONS Traumatic neuroma should always be kept in the armamentarium for diagnosis of an intradural nerve sheath tumor.