Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia

  • Home
  • 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-
  • Rapid relief from symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia
  • Long-lasting relief
  • Low risk of recurrence
  • No damage to the trigeminal nerve and hence the post operative numbness can be avoided.

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.
  • Special MRI (Trigeminal neuralgia protocol MRI)
  • CT head for Neuro navigation
  • A hearing test (Audiogram)
  • Blood work and EKG

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

MVD is a surgical procedure that relieves pressure on the trigeminal nerve by inserting a small cushion (Teflon sponge) between the nerve and the compressing blood vessel. It has the highest long-term success rate among all trigeminal neuralgia treatmentsover 80–90% of patients achieve significant or complete pain relief.

MVD is an open surgical procedure that directly addresses the vascular compression causing nerve irritation, offering faster and longer-lasting pain relief. Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a non-invasive radiation treatment that damages the nerve to reduce pain signals but may take weeks to work and has lower long-term success rates with higher recurrence.

Hospital stay after MVD is typically 3–5 days. Most patients experience immediate pain relief. Return to normal activities is possible within 4–6 weeks. Heavy lifting and strenuous activities should be avoided for 6–8 weeks. Follow-up is scheduled at 4–6 weeks post-surgery to assess recovery.

Book An Appointment

Recent Post

The Evolution of Neurosurgery: The True Benefits of Minimally Invasive Procedures

Demystifying Neuroimaging: When Do You Actually Need a Brain Scan?

The Ultimate Guide to Spine Imaging: When Do You Need a Scan for Back Pain?

Edit Template