Jugular foramen schwannomas (JFS) are infrequent, benign lesions originating from the cranial nerves (CNs) traversing the jugular foramen, most frequently the glossopharyngeal, vagus, and accessory nerves [[1], [2], [3]]. JFSs account for approximately 2.9%–4% of all intracranial schwannomas and up to 40% of all jugular foramen lesions [4,5]. JFSs can present with various symptoms related to the mass effect and dysfunction of lower cranial nerves (CNs), including hearing loss, hoarseness, and ataxia [1,6]. The management of the JFS is challenging due to its deep location and close proximity to critical neurovascular structures, such as the internal carotid artery and lower CNs [2,3].

Resection has been the cornerstone of therapeutic options for individuals with JFS [1]. Nevertheless, resection is correlated with considerable morbidity and neurological complications in individuals with JFS [1]. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a non-invasive therapeutic option for JFS patients that has been increasingly utilized in recent decades [[7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16], [17], [18], [19], [20], [21], [22], [23]].

Despite its growing use in other skull base pathologies such as vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas, evidence regarding the outcomes of SRS for JFS remains sparse. Available studies are generally limited to small, retrospective series with heterogeneous reporting, leaving uncertainty about their long-term efficacy and safety. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies evaluating clinical and radiological outcomes after SRS for JFS, including local control (LC), CN deterioration, progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse radiation effect (ARE), following SRS in JFS patients.