TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Abstract

Objectives: trigeminal Neuralgia is a severe lancinating pain and is
associated with conflict between a vessel and 5th cranial nerve. Micro vascular Decompression (MVD) of the nerve
relieves this pain. Material & Methods: We reviewed 60 patients who underwent MVD for medically intractable
trigeminal neuralgia. The outcome of procedure was assessed retrospectively. Results: Preoperative symptoms ranged
from 3 months to 10 years. Right side of face was affected in 32 and left in 28 patients. Mandibular division (21.6%)
was the most commonly involved branch for referred pain. Superior cerebellar artery was the commonest offending
vessel in 86.6% of cases. Trigeminal root entry zone location (70%) was the commonest site of conflict. Postoperative
pain relief showed excellent results in 86.6%, good in 10.0% and poor in 3.4%. Recurrence rate was 1.5% per year.
Conclusion: MVD is safe, effective and treatment of choice for trigeminal neuralgia.