Recurrence of trigeminal neuralgia after microvascular decompression and its microsurgical management

Abstract

Objective To study the influencing factors of recurrence of trigeminal neuralgia after microvascular decompression and its microsurgical management.Methods Twenty one patients with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia after microvascular decompression (MVD),admitted to our hospital from 2006 to 2011,were treated by microsurgical operations assisted by neuroendoscope.MVD was performed again in 17 patients,arachnoid membranes reflaxation in 2,partial rhizotomy (PR) in 1,and both MVD and PR in 1.Results All patients were followed up for about 28.5 months (mean duration).The total effective rate during the follow-up period was 95.2％.Facial numbness was found in 2 patients and light facial paralysis in 1.Conclusion Many factors were responsible for the recurrence of trigeminal neuralgia after MVD; and vascular compression is still the main cause; MVD should be the first choice; curative effect and safety would be improved by the assistance ofneuroendoscope. Key words: Trigeminal neuralgia; Microvascular decompression; Recurrence; Neuroendoscope