Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia

Microvascular decompression surgery (MVD surgery) is an open surgical procedure to relieve the facial pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia. It provides long-term pain relief from trigeminal neuralgia. The purpose of Microvascular decompression surgery is to relieve pressure from the vessel that is pressing against the trigeminal nerve which causes intermittent severe facial pain.

Benefits of Microvascular decompression treatment

Microvascular decompression treatment procedure is the most common and reliable surgical trigeminal neuralgia treatment and the benefits of MVD may include-

The procedure of Microvascular decompression treatment

The microvascular decompression surgery is done under general anesthesia. The hair behind the ear is shaved and a small part of the skull is removed. The treatable nerve is detected and then a Teflon piece is placed between the nerve and the blood vessels. The small portion of bone removal is covered with a thin mesh of metal. The patient is shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after the surgery for close observation by the surgeon for trigeminal neuralgia to monitor the recovery process.

Risks of Microvascular decompression treatment procedure

Microvascular decompression surgery is an invasive treatment option and has some risks like

Infection
Hearing loss, facial numbness
Spinal fluid leak
Excessive bleeding
Difficulty with speak and swallowing
Facial weakness
Post operative dizziness
Recurrence of the facial pain

Lab tests before the Microvascular decompression surgery

Before undergoing the Microvascular decompression surgery, some of the lab test mentioned below are usually done.

Recovery from the MVD treatment

Patients are advised to stay in the hospital for 2-3 nights under observation to monitor healing and any kind of symptoms recurrence. Many patients will have immediate pain relief after the surgery. Pre operative pain medications are usually continued after the surgery and are gradually stopped over a period of 4-6 weeks after the microvascular decompression surgery. Pain and stiffness from this surgery usually subsides within a week. However, the doctor advises to reduce physical exertion, including heavy lifting for six weeks.

If you have been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia and you have been advised to undergo Microvascular decompression surgery then get a second opinion from another Neurosurgeon in UAE to understand the trigeminal neuralgia cause, the microvascular decompression surgery and recovery process well before undergoing the surgery.

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Dr. Arun Rajeswaran

Consult Dr. Arun with a professional experience of more than 13 years in the field of Neurosurgery

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