Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a minimally invasive brain surgery that relieves pressure on cranial nerves caused by nearby blood vessels. A neurosurgeon places a tiny cushion between the nerve and the compressing artery or vein. This reduces nerve irritation, helping relieve symptoms like chronic facial pain or muscle spasms, and restores normal nerve function without damaging the nerve itself.
MVD is used to treat conditions like trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Each type targets a specific cranial nerve that’s being compressed. The surgical approach remains similar but tailored to the nerve’s location and the symptom pattern. The aim is to restore nerve function by relieving vascular pressure and preventing recurring symptoms without removing or severing the nerve.
The primary cause for MVD is chronic vascular compression usually by an artery on a cranial nerve, leading to constant pain or spasms. Over time, repeated nerve irritation causes significant discomfort. When medications can’t control the symptoms, surgery becomes the best option. MVD offers lasting relief by eliminating the source of pressure while preserving nerve and brain function.
Persistent, stabbing facial pain, uncontrollable facial twitching, or vocal and swallowing difficulties suggest cranial nerve dysfunction. When symptoms no longer respond to medications and begin to interfere with everyday activities, microvascular decompression surgery may be considered. The goal is to stop the pressure causing nerve misfiring, especially when standard treatments fail to improve pain, spasms, or quality of life.
Doctors use MRI scans with contrast and detailed neurological examinations to detect abnormal vascular compression on cranial nerves. A thorough clinical history helps confirm symptom patterns and rule out other conditions like multiple sclerosis or tumors. Diagnosis is critical to ensure that microvascular decompression is the right treatment for long-standing nerve pain or facial twitching unresponsive to medical therapy.
During MVD, patients are placed under general anesthesia. A neurosurgeon creates a small opening behind the ear to access the brainstem. The compressing blood vessel is gently moved away from the nerve, and a soft Teflon pad is placed between them. This simple cushion prevents future contact and irritation, effectively relieving symptoms without permanently damaging the nerve or vessel.
Early diagnosis helps improve outcomes. Seek medical advice if these signs persist:
Sharp, electric shock-like pain in the face, especially triggered by touch or routine activities like eating or brushing.
Frequent, uncontrolled facial muscle spasms, especially around the eyes or mouth.
When standard drugs or injections no longer relieve nerve-related facial discomfort or twitching.
Numbness, tingling, or pain along one side of the face without clear reason.
Discomfort severe enough to disturb speaking, eating, sleeping, or socializing.
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From consultation to recovery, everything was smooth. I can finally sleep peacefully without pain attacks.
Karan Deshmukh Microvascular Decompression Surgery
The doctor explained everything clearly. Surgery went smoothly and recovery was easier than expected. I highly recommend mediSuggest.
Drishti Malhotra Microvascular Decompression Surgery
medications were not working for my nerve pain. This surgery truly worked wonders. I feel like myself again.
Sunita Nambiar Microvascular Decompression Surgery
I was nervous about brain surgery, but mediSuggest guided me throughout. Now, I’m pain-free and back to enjoying life.
Amitabh Rane Microvascular Decompression Surgery
My trigeminal neuralgia shocks were ruining my life. Microvascular decompression gave me my peace back. Grateful for the skilled surgeons
Pooja Bhatia Microvascular Decompression Surgery
I suffered from unbearable facial pain for years. After surgery, I’m finally pain-free. Thank you mediSuggest for the expert care!
Ravi Menon Microvascular Decompression Surgery
It's a surgery that relieves nerve compression in the brain by inserting a soft pad between the nerve and blood vessel causing pressure.
Yes. When performed by skilled neurosurgeons, it's considered highly safe and effective, especially when medication doesn't help.
It treats trigeminal neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, and hemifacial spasm—conditions caused by pressure on specific cranial nerves.
Like all surgeries, risks include infection, hearing changes, or nerve damage. However, these are rare with expert care.
