What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic facial pain caused by a hyperactivity disorder of the Trigeminal nerve. In simple words, it is a symptom of Trigeminal nerve compression. This compression could be caused by a blood vessel or by a tumor, among many other causes. TN pain is severe and is generally treated with medicines, initially.
What is the trigeminal nerve?
Trigeminal nerve is the fifth nerve which is given off from the brain. It is a cranial nerve. This is a sensory as well as motor nerve. It means that the nerve supplies sensation to the face and the motor component supplies muscles of chewing.
What is the commonest presentation of trigeminal neuralgia?
Commonly TN pain begins after some form of dental treatment, either an extraction or root canal work. However, the dental work actually is only a trigger, not the cause. Other triggers for the trigeminal neuralgia pain are brushing, eating, talking, shaving, touching etc.
Can Trigeminal neuralgia be associated with ear pain?
Yes. TN itself can cause ear pain; but it may also be associated with Glossopharyngeal neuralgia which can also be the cause of ear pain.
How is the pain of Trigeminal neuralgia?
The patient has severe electric shock like or lightning like pain in the eye, cheek, gums or jaws. Mostly, this disorder is diagnosed late. Thus the patient suffers for many years before they are told their diagnosis. It is frequently mistaken for migraine, dental pain or ear pain. MRI is performed to support the clinical diagnosis.
Can MVD be done after RFLG?
Yes, but a primary MVD always gives better success. Radio Frequency Lesioning or ablation of the trigeminal nerve is a destructive procedure. MVD surgery is a nerve-preserving procedure.
Who performs the MVD surgery?
MicroVascular Decompression (MVD) surgery is a brain surgery and is performed by a neurosurgeon. An experienced neurosurgeon gives the best results, better success rates and lower chances of risks.
Can we get any patient testimonials or their experiences?
Sure. Please click here to read and watch videos of patient experiences. All these patients have been operated by our team, at the MVD Centre. You can click here to read more Frequently Asked Questions on Trigeminal neuralgia and MVD surgery. You can visit the home page of this website on trigeminal neuralgia treatment by clicking here.
Who runs the MVD Centre?
The MVD centre is in Pune. The Director is Dr Jaydev Panchwagh, who has an experience of more than 30 years in the field of neurosurgery. His passion in the specialty is MVD surgery.