Trigeminal Neuralgia

This gentleman aged 48 years presented with episodes of excruciating pain over the right side of his
face for 12 years. The pain was brought on by chewing food or shaving and lasted only a few seconds.

An MRI scan revealed a blood vessel indenting the trigeminal nerve i.e. the nerve concerned with sensations over the face.

The patient was treated by “Micro-vascular decompression” in which the nerve was cleared of the offending vessel and Teflon patches placed between them above and below, to prevent further
irritation of the nerve.

The patient was completely relieved of his pain.