Trigeminal Neuralgia

What is MVD?

Microvascular decompression treats trigeminal neuralgia by physically separating an offending blood vessel from the trigeminal nerve at its brainstem entry zone using a small Teflon pad. It is the only treatment that addresses the underlying cause and can produce permanent cure.

Why China?

• High volume: Xinhua and Tiantan Hospitals perform 500+ MVDs/year
• Cost: $11,000-$17,000 vs. $40,000-$80,000 in the US
• Endoscopic-assisted: Latest technique improves visualization of offending vessels
• Functional preservation: Hearing/facial nerve monitoring during surgery

Who is a candidate?

• Classic trigeminal neuralgia with vascular conflict on MRI
• Failed medical therapy or intolerable side effects
• Age <65 generally preferred (but no upper limit if healthy)
• Hemifacial spasm (CN VII compression)

Outcomes

Immediate pain relief: 90-95%. Long-term cure (10 years): 70-80%. Recurrence rate: 1-3% per year. Major complications: hearing loss 1-2%, CSF leak 2-4%.