Treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia Microvascular Decompression in New Jersey

In most cases, facial pain is caused by an aggravated cranial nerve called the trigeminal nerve. If prescription medication does not eliminate this pain known as Trigeminal Neuralgia, it may be caused by a blood vessel pulsating on the trigeminal nerve. Trigeminal Neuralgia Microvascular Decompression is the surgical procedure that will successfully treat Trigeminal Neuralgia when other treatment options have not worked. For patients struggling with Trigeminal Neuralgia, the caring and award-winning neurosurgeons in New Jersey at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics will help.

What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia Microvascular Decompression?

Trigeminal Neuralgia Microvascular Decompression is a surgical procedure performed only by neurosurgeons and only in the operating room. As the name implies, the surgeon will gently remove the pressure off the trigeminal nerve and isolate the nerve so it is no longer compressed. The procedure involves creating a barrier between the trigeminal nerve that is causing pain and the neighboring blood vessel that is pressing against it. This barrier acts as a buffer and prevents further facial pain agitation.

Trigeminal Neuralgia Microvascular Decompression Procedure

Although pain can spread throughout the face, the specific location where it begins is generally near the ear. A typical patient with facial pain will have several evaluations and treatment efforts prior to ordering an MRI to consider other causes or the need for a Trigeminal Neuralgia Microvascular Decompression. These evaluations and test can include blood work to determine if there is an infection, hearing tests,  and possibly baseline brain wave monitoring.

Trigeminal Neuralgia Microvascular Decompression involves surgically creating a physical barrier between the trigeminal nerve and any blood vessel that is causing  sporadic pain by pressing against one another. To access the problematic area, a small incision is made behind the ear. Then once the area has been prepared, a tiny piece of Teflon is used as the barrier between the nerve and blood vessel.  A metal mesh is then used to help cover thethe incision site.

Trigeminal Neuralgia Microvascular Decompression Recovery Process

Most patients will spend two nights in the hospital following Microvascular Decompression Surgery for monitoring. Typically, patients will continuetaking  pain medications they were taking prior to the procedure temporarily. Gradually, after a month, the medications will be tapered down. In most circumstances, it takes approximately one month before driving or returning to work.

Risks and Side Effects Associated with Trigeminal Neuralgia Microvascular Decompression

Like any surgical procedure, Trigeminal Neuralgia Microvascular Decompression is not without risks. Most common side effects are temporary such as facial numbness, muffled hearing, and nausea all or which are  easily manage with medications.  For more information, contact CNSO today.

Contact the Trigeminal Neuralgia Specialists at CNSO

The neurosurgeons at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics help patients live pain-free lives every day. Patients will receive compassionate, comprehensive and coordinated treatment at each conveniently located center spanning across northern New Jersey servicing Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Morris, and Hudson counties. Northern NJ patients can learn more about effectively treating Trigeminal Neuralgia by contacting the doctors at CNSO today.