Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Microvascular Decompression Procedure

Your doctor will discuss the preparatory steps and details of your specific surgery prior to your surgery. But here are some general overall steps:

• Day of Surgery Prep — The patient is put to sleep using general anesthesia. A portion of the scalp is shaved where the incision will be made.
• Creating a Window — The neurosurgeon makes a small incision behind the ear corresponding to the side where the nerve is compressed. A small opening in the skull (a craniotomy) is made and the dura (membrane covering the brain) is opened to make a window to view the brain.
• Accessing the Nerve — With microsurgical instruments, the surgeon delicately moves the cerebellum, allowing the surgeon to view the offending blood vessel and nerve.
• Decompressing the Nerve — A tiny cushion is inserted between the nerve and the artery or vein, taking pressure off the nerve.
• Closing Up — Once the pad is in place, the dura is closed up, the bone is patched and the scalp is sutured up.
• After Care — The patient is carefully monitored. A hospital stay of several days can be expected.

A microvascular decompression surgery usually provides immediate relief of the facial pain or facial twitches.