Gamma Knife surgery for trigeminal neuralgia is a procedure that can help suffering patients feel immense relief from severe facial nerve pain caused by the disorder. If you’ve been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia and medicine-based management has failed to bring your symptoms under control, it may be time for you to think about surgical options. Gamma Knife surgery uses targeted beams of radiation against the trigeminal nerve, interrupting its ability to transmit pain.
As you learn which NJ doctors perform Gamma Knife surgery for trigeminal neuralgia, important considerations to keep in mind are:
- Specialized training
- Concentration on disorders that cause extreme facial pain
- Continuing education or publishing related to emerging trends and techniques
- Being surrounded by an excellent team of radiation specialists and other medical professionals
Dr. Anthony D’Ambrosio
Dr. Anthony D’Ambrosio uses his expertise to perform successful Gamma Knife surgery for trigeminal neuralgia patients. Dr. D’Ambrosio is both the Director of Neurological Surgery at Valley Hospital and the Co-Director of the Valley Hospital Gamma Knife Perfexion Program. Dr. D’Ambrosio attended medical school at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee, where he was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He went on to complete his internship and residency work at Columbia University’s Neurological Institute of New York.
Additionally, Dr. D’Ambrosio was selected to complete his Skull Base and Cerebrovascular Surgery Fellowship at the University of South Florida in Tampa. He has attained board certification through the American Board of Neurological Survey. Every step of his educational journey prepared him to offer the specialized care necessary for the successful treatment of painful disorders such as trigeminal neuralgia.
Neurosurgeons of New Jersey
Dr. Anthony D’Ambrosio leads the Facial Wellness Center as part of the Neurosurgeons of New Jersey practice. Dr. D’Ambrosio strives to make a true difference in the life of each and every one of their patients. Patients who visit the Facial Wellness Center may suffer from severe pain that significantly impacts their everyday lives. When pain from a disorder like trigeminal neuralgia reaches that level of debilitation, patients may be unable to complete the normal tasks of their personal and work lives. Once they become patients at the Facial Wellness Center, Dr. D’Ambrosio works to determine what type of treatment will be most beneficial and have the most positive effect on their lives.
When pain from a disorder like trigeminal neuralgia reaches that level of debilitation, patients may be unable to complete the normal tasks of their personal and work lives. Once they become patients at the Facial Wellness Center, Dr. D’Ambrosio works to determine what type of treatment will be most beneficial and have the most positive effect on their lives.
About Gamma Knife Surgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Gamma Knife surgery for trigeminal neuralgia may be needed when patients are not good candidates for other forms of treatment or when a unique case calls for it. When you undergo Gamma Knife surgery, your experience begins with placement into a head frame. This device ensures that the beams of radiation are well-targeted and aren’t negatively affected by unintentional movement. Then, the beams are directed to a portion of the trigeminal nerve, as seen to by a team of radiation specialists. These beams confuse the pain signals being sent by the trigeminal nerve, interrupting the ability to transmit painful sensations.
Gamma Knife surgery for trigeminal neuralgia is typically conducted on an outpatient basis. You’ll need to have someone else drive you home and help you as you adjust after the procedure. Your surgeon will monitor your progress, working to taper off the medication you no longer need to address your trigeminal neuralgia pain.
Excellence in Care for Gamma Knife Surgery Patients
Gamma Knife surgery for trigeminal neuralgia isn’t a quick fix procedure — it may take several months for patients to realize lessened or eradicated pain. However, it is a highly successful procedure, resulting in the end of some or all pain in at least eighty percent of patients.
Dr. D’Ambrosio will spend time becoming familiar with your unique case. As the doctor learns more about your health history and current struggle with trigeminal neuralgia, he’ll work with you — and a support team that includes both office and medical professionals — to design the best treatment plan possible. From the beginning of your relationship to the follow-up after your Gamma Knife surgery for trigeminal neuralgia, the doctor will ensure you are well educated and informed. You will be empowered and play an active role in taking your life back from debilitating facial nerve pain.
