If you have trigeminal neuralgia or facial pain, you may benefit from various treatments for your condition. Treatments for facial pain and trigeminal neuralgia may include:
- Medication
- Microvascular decompression
- Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
- Percutaneous rhizotomy
- Pain stimulator placement
One type of surgery that is considered the gold standard in treatment for trigeminal neuralgia is microvascular decompression (MVD). Microvascular decompression goes right to the source of your trigeminal neuralgia, and it can help you eliminate your facial pain or hemifacial spasm.
Trigeminal neuralgia is caused by irritation of your 5th cranial nerve, called the trigeminal nerve. This nerve can be irritated by a neighboring artery.
This irritation may wear away the myelin sheath around your nerve and result in altered signals to and from your brainstem, causing facial pain. Sometimes your 7th cranial nerve, the facial nerve, becomes involved, resulting in hemifacial spasm.
Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia may include:
- Intense, electric-like pain on one side of your face
- Burning or tingling in your ear, cheek or jaw
- Muscle spasm in your cheek or jaw
- Eye pain
Since there are several other conditions that may cause these symptoms, it is important that you see your doctor right away to get an accurate diagnosis.
He or she may refer you to a facial pain clinic to start your treatment. If your symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia persist, considering a consult with a neurosurgeon who performs MVD surgery may be a good idea.
Microvascular Decompression Surgery
Microvascular decompression surgery for trigeminal neuralgia is a type of brain surgery. The procedure is done by a neurosurgeon who makes a small incision behind your ear. Specialized instruments are used to remove a small portion of your skull and to visualize your trigeminal nerve near your brain stem.
Once your surgeon locates your trigeminal nerve, a small Teflon pad is placed between the nerve and its neighboring artery. This pad takes pressure off of your trigeminal nerve, resulting in an elimination of your facial pain.
Most patients are required to spend a few days in the hospital after surgery, and many experience a rapid abatement of their trigeminal neuralgia symptoms. Remember, everyone heals differently, so work closely with your neurosurgeon to be sure you know exactly what to expect.
Find the Best Neurosurgeon for Microvascular Decompression
Not all neurosurgeons are specialists who perform microvascular decompression surgery. Therefore, your selection process to find the right surgeon for you should be a top priority when considering MVD. To start your search for a facial pain neurosurgeon, you can take a few steps, including:
- Ask family members and friends who have experience with trigeminal neuralgia.
- Ask your family physician for a referral to a trusted neurosurgeon.
- Search the internet for neurosurgeons who treat facial pain and trigeminal neuralgia.
Of course, once you find a few names of neurosurgeons, you then have to decide on which one is best for your condition. You may have to meet with a few to find the best doctor for your MVD surgery.
Qualities of a Top-Rated Neurosurgeon
When facing a surgery like microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia, you need to work with a neurosurgeon who you trust and who is the best in their field. Some qualities of a top-rated neurosurgeon include:
- Takes time to listen to and answer your questions
- Offers you alternatives to surgery
- Explains MVD surgery in detail and ensures that you understand the operation
- Works with compassionate professionals who can help you before, during and after surgery
- Works in research or educational pursuits and demonstrates leadership in their profession
Most importantly, your neurosurgeon should make you feel at ease about your microvascular decompression surgery. You should feel like your doctor is working with you in a therapeutic alliance to offer you the best care for your trigeminal neuralgia.
Where Can I Have Microvascular Decompression Surgery?
Since microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia is brain surgery, your operation will take place in a hospital. If you have taken the time to find a top-rated neurosurgeon, chances are he or she works in an exemplary hospital facility. Characteristics of a top-rated hospital may include:
- Offers innovative surgical techniques
- Is staffed by caring and compassionate professionals
- Has new and modern surgical and diagnostic equipment
- Offers personalized care and treatment
Facing microvascular decompression surgery for trigeminal neuralgia can be a scary endeavor. Finding a top neurosurgeon – one that you trust – to perform your operation is one of the first steps you should take when choosing to have surgery.
Working closely with a compassionate and trusted neurosurgeon can help you have a smooth recovery and an optimal outcome from microvascular decompression surgery.
