Treatment Options for Trigeminal Neuralgia Surgery

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. While there are several non-surgical treatments available, many patients consider surgical intervention when medication and other therapies fail to provide relief. Below are the most commonly performed surgical procedures for treating trigeminal neuralgia.

Microvascular Decompression (MVD)

Microvascular decompression is a well-established surgical procedure that involves gently moving blood vessels away from the trigeminal nerve. This minimally invasive technique requires a small opening in the skull and has a high success rate in alleviating pain. One of the key benefits of MVD is that it does not typically result in facial numbness or sensory loss, making it a preferred choice for many neurosurgeons.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure in which a needle is inserted through the face and guided to the trigeminal nerve. Heat is then applied to selectively destroy the nerve fibers responsible for pain. While this treatment can provide short-term relief, it often leads to facial numbness and has a higher chance of pain recurrence within six months to two years. Additionally, the procedure can be uncomfortable for patients during recovery.

Balloon Compression with Microballoons

Microballoon compression is an increasingly popular option for treating trigeminal neuralgia. This procedure involves inserting a small balloon through a catheter into the trigeminal nerve ganglion and gently compressing the nerve to disrupt pain signals. It is generally well-tolerated, with minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. Although some patients may experience temporary facial numbness, the effectiveness of this method is well-documented and continues to make it a go-to treatment for many specialists.