If you have trigeminal neuralgia or hemifacial spasm, then you understand how debilitating the symptoms can be. Common symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia include:
- Pain in your eye or ear
- Pain or abnormal sensation along your face or jaw line
- Muscle spasms in your jaw or face
- Toothache or ear pain
If you have any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor right away. He or she can refer you to a facial pain clinic for proper treatment.
Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia typically includes:
- Medication
- Microvascular decompression surgery (MVD)
- Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
- Percutaneous rhizotomy
- Pain stimulator placement
Of the treatments for trigeminal neuralgia or hemifacial spasm, microvascular decompression surgery is the most definitive. If you have facial pain or spasm due to trigeminal neuralgia or facial nerve compression and have tried medication without success, you may be a candidate for microvascular decompression. If so, you owe it to yourself to learn as much as possible about the procedure.
What Is Microvascular Decompression Surgery?
In carefully selected patients, microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery is often the most definitive treatment for trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. Idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia is often caused by pressure on the trigeminal nerve from nearby blood vessels (normal arteries and veins). The procedure is performed to take pressure off the nerves that travel from your face to your brainstem. When successful, decompressing the trigeminal nerve at its root helps to relive the pain in your facial area.
When considering microvascular decompression surgery, your neurosurgeon should explain the operation to you. The surgery occurs in a hospital while you are under general anesthesia.
An incision will be made just behind your ear near your hairline, and a small portion of your skull–about one inch in diameter–will be removed. Specialized instruments will be used so your surgeon can visualize the trigeminal nerve under a special microscope.
Once your nerve is identified near your brainstem, the vascular loop that courses along and pushes on the trigeminal nerve will be located, and a small pad will be inserted in between the blood vessel and the nerve, creating a soft cushion for the nerve. This Teflon sponge pad decompresses and insulates the trigeminal nerve, thus eliminating your symptoms.
Once your nerve is decompressed, you surgeon will ensure that your skull and incisions are closed, and you will be brought to the recovery area. Most patients can expect to stay a few nights in the hospital so your doctors and nurses can monitor your post-operative progress. After the surgery, a slow gradual return to activity is expected.
Benefits of Microvascular Decompression Surgery
Most patients with trigeminal neuralgia experience significant and debilitating facial pain or abnormal sensation. The main benefit for microvascular decompression is the elimination of facial symptoms and a resolution of trigeminal neuralgia. These benefits are most often immediate long lasting for most patients. In addition, most patients are able to successfully wean off of their medications over a period of time.
Other treatments for trigeminal neuralgia, such as percutaneous stereotactic rhizotomy, come with an increased risk of facial numbness. Outcomes for microvascular decompression surgery carry less risk of this problem.
When considering microvascular decompression, talk to your surgeon about the expected benefits and risks for your particular condition.
Am I a Good Candidate for Microvascular Decompression Surgery?
If you are dealing with trigeminal neuralgia or hemifacial spasm and are considering surgery as a definitive treatment, you may be wondering if microvascular decompression is right for you.
Typically, patients who have the best outcomes with the surgery exhibit specific characteristics. These may include:
- Have tried and failed with other more conservative treatments
- Have facial pain confined to specific areas of the face served by the trigeminal nerve
- Live a healthy lifestyle
- Have had a high-resolution MRI scan performed specifically to look for a vessel making contact with the nerve in question or the brainstem.
The best way to know if you are a good candidate for microvascular decompression surgey is to meet with a qualified neurosurgeon. Your surgeon can answer your questions about the procedure and can discuss with you the different options available for people suffering from trigeminal neuralgia or hemifacial spasm.
Find the Best Neurosurgeon for You
Many New Jersey residents suffer from trigeminal neuralgia, and many have turned to microvascular decompression with a neurosurgeon to find relief. So how do you find the best neurosurgeon for your condition?
Finding a top rated neurosurgeon who performs microvascular decompression surgery may be challenging. Some good ways to locate the best surgeon for you may be:
- Ask your family physician
- Ask family or friends for a referral
- Search the internet for positive patient reviews of neurosurgeons
- Meet with doctors and ask about your condition and possible treatments
A good doctor will take the time to explain your options when treating your facial pain, and he or she will respectfully answer your questions and concerns about the surgery. Your surgeon should help you feel at ease about the surgery, and you should feel confident that you and your neurosurgeon are working as a therapeutic alliance to treat your trigeminal neuralgia.
Trigeminal neuralgia can be a painful condition that is difficult to treat. Microvascular decompression is a proven method to find long-term relief of symptoms with minimal side effects. By working with a top-rated microvascular decompression specialist with exemplary operative results, you can be sure to maximize your chances of a positive outcome with your microvascular decompression surgery for trigeminal neuralgia.
