Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia: a clinical efficacy analysis of 74 cases / 中华神经医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of microvascular decompression on patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and its complications. Methods A retrospective analysis of 74 patients with microvascular decompression, admitted to our hospital from August 2002 to April 2009,was performed; the clinical data and thc treatment efficacy were analyzed. Results The total effective rate was 100% without death. Intracranial hematoma appeared in 1 patient (1.35%); edema of the cerebellum in the operated side caused 1 patient (1.35%) having non-communicating hydrocephalus and 2 (2.7%) having intracranial infection, and all were relieved symptoms after treatment. All patients were followed up for 3 months to 6 years; no recurrence was noted; facial paralysis in 2 (2.7%) and slight hearing-loss in 1were found. Conclusion Microvascular decompression, lifting the common cause of TN and fully retaining the function of trigeminal nerve, is the preferred method for treatment of TN.