Early diagnosis and referral can make all the difference. Frequently, vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve causes the pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. An anti-convulsant such as carbamazepine initially controls pain in approximately 75 percent of patients. During the decompression procedure, a neurosurgeon makes an incision the size of a button hole through the skull, behind the ear, to reveal the trigeminal nerve. The surgeon lifts the offensive artery off the nerve and packs shredded Teflon between the two to cushion the nerve from future compression.
Patients go home within two days after surgery and return a week later for suture removal.
Trigeminal neuralgia symptoms -Intense facial pain often triggered by light touch, mouth movements or changes in temperature. Please take the time to read our disclaimer .