We are patients living with Trigeminal Neuralgia, here for your support.

MVD's

Information

For members who either have had, are having or considering having an MVD! Somewhere where those having had MVD's can share their experiences with those who are considering getting this done.

Members: 128
Latest Activity: on Wednesday

Overview

Microvascular Decompression (MVD) is a surgical procedure that relieves abnormal compression of a cranial nerve. It is performed to treat trigeminal neuralgia, vagoglossopharyngeal neuralgia, and hemifacial spasm. These conditions are often caused by an artery or vein compressing the nerve root as it leaves the brainstem. When compressed, normal nerve impulses can recruit nearby nerve fibers and send faulty messages. Medications often provide relief to patients with these conditions, but when medications become ineffective or cause serious side effects, one treatment option is MVD.
What is MVD?

MVD is a surgical procedure to relieve the symptoms (pain, muscle twitching) caused by compression of a nerve by an artery or vein. MVD involves surgically opening the skull (craniotomy) and exposing the nerve at the base of the brainstem to insert a tiny sponge between the compressing vessel and the nerve. This sponge isolates the nerve from the pulsating effect and pressure of the blood vessel.

Trigeminal neuralgia is an irritation of the fifth cranial nerve causing severe pain that usually affects one side of the face, normally in the forehead, cheek, jaw, or teeth (Fig. 1). To treat trigeminal neuralgia, a sponge is placed between the trigeminal nerve and the superior cerebellar artery or a branch of the petrosal vein. By removing the compression, the painful symptoms are relieved.
Who is a candidate for MVD?

You may be a candidate for MVD if you have:

* trigeminal neuralgia that is not well controlled with medication and you desire minimal to no facial numbness that may be associated with other treatments such as percutaneous stereotactic radiofrequency rhizotomy (PSR) or glycerol injection
* facial pain isolated in the ophthalmic division or in all three trigeminal divisions
* facial pain recurrence after a previous percutaneous or radiosurgery procedure

Because MVD involves the use of general anesthesia and brain surgery, patients with other medical conditions or who are in poor health may not be candidates. MVD is not successful in treating facial pain caused by multiple sclerosis. Because of the low risk of hearing loss, MVD may not be suitable for patients who have hearing loss in the other ear.

MVD Surgical Risks:

- Surgical Wound Infection with Lasting Pain, including menengitis.

- Cerebral Spinal Fluid Leaks

- Anesthesia Dolorosa -- burning pain underlying facial tactile numbness

- Parasthesia -- an itchy, crawly sensation combined with surface numbness

- Facial Numbness -- loss of sensation without other sensory effects

- Partial Facial Paralysis

· Loss of Hearing (rare, and only with MVD)

· Loss of the Tearing Reflex of the Eye, with a Risk of Ulceration to the Cornea (also MVD)

· Surgical Adhesions and Arachnoiditis

· Central Nervous System Fluid Leak (rare, and only with MVD)

· Differentiation Pain (caused by surgical interruption of connections between peripheral nerve endings and the central nervous system).

Discussion Forum

How long to recover from MVD 4 Replies

I have finally bitten the bullet and am booked in for MVD on 20th February...Now apart from the usual things affecting any surgery you have...Is there any guide lines as to how quick you recover from…Continue

Started by Carol Harmer. Last reply by Carol Harmer on Wednesday.

16 yr old daughter still having severe pain at incision site 6 weeks after MVD surgery 9 Replies

My daughter had MVD surgery 6 weeks ago, but she is still having terrible pain around her incision site. We made a trip back to the neurosurgeon a couple weeks ago and he said everything was fine and…Continue

Started by Mommthekid. Last reply by Andy Anthony Feb 3.

Has Anyone Had A Good Result From An MVD When The First Has Failed?? 6 Replies

I know you are all wonderful at support and guidance. I have a very dear friend here in so much pain her life has become very difficult . She had an MVD which failed after 8 weeksHave any of you had…Continue

Tags: Help, MVD, second, Failure

Started by Jackie. Last reply by Jackie Jan 26.

Feeling Nerve Twitches Almost 4 Years Post-MVD - Normal?? 9 Replies

Hi Everyone - I'm new here and was hoping to get some advice/opinions. I had MVD 4 years ago this February. Immediately after surgery I was pain-free, went off the Tegretol the day before surgery and…Continue

Started by JordanC. Last reply by JordanC Jan 23.

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Comment by Aleshia on December 29, 2011 at 12:59am: I had my MVD surgery performed by Dr. Sekula, in February 2009. It was the best decision I have ever made!! My surgery was a success and my recovery complication free. Overall, since the surgery I have lived pain free . On a few occasions, I thought the TN pain had returned however, my history is complicated, as I also suffer from occipital neuralgia and cluster headaches. Dr. Sekula, is respectful and very thorough. He is patient centered direct, and very responsive. His care and level of skill renewed my faith and confidence in the medical community. Prior to surgery, I could not imagine living the life I do today! If you have not had your surgery or if you would like to talk with me, please feel free to contact me. I would be happy to talk with you. Peace and blessings sent your way.

Comment by DonnaTn15 on December 26, 2011 at 9:11pm: Has anyone had three MVDs? I would like to know the outcome for you from the third time if it has produced better success than the first two.

Comment by cybercat on December 8, 2011 at 10:22pm: Anybody have surgery with Dr. Sekula?

Comment by Barb on December 8, 2011 at 8:07pm: Not sure if I should say this with so many people getting ready to have an MVD but I can't help myself. When I finally saw a Neurosurgeon I was so niave. I believed what they said, I was confident they knew what they were doing. They didn't and I ended up with anesthesia dolorosa (double whammy). Now as I read the comments I get in to the what ifs.....what if I didn't have the MVD. I would only be in half the pain and have a life. I hope that it turns out well for you. A very big decision with so many risks.

Comment by jamie leigh on November 2, 2011 at 1:20pm: Melodye,

I'm so sorry to hear your pain is back. I had my MVD shortly after you did.

Jamie

Comment by Melodye Olsavsky on November 2, 2011 at 9:52am: I had my MVD on March 16, 2010. I was pain-free until May 7, 2011. It was wonderful! Unfortunately the pain is back with a vengeance. I am on 450 mg of triliptal every day. It works sometimes. This is the hardest thing I've ever been through. I also have multiple sclerosis. Some of my TN pain is MS related. The pain is going to undo me.

I do not regret having my MVD because I was pain-free for a little over a year. However, I do not think I will go through it again.

Comment by jeffk on November 2, 2011 at 9:37am: BTW, Bob Homerin, about the Mayo clinic in MN; I was looking into going there myself (I am out of state but grew up in MN and have a lot of respect for the Mayo), but they wouldn't see me if I've been on pain meds (opiates, etc) in the past 3 months.

However, when I was looking into the process, I found out if you just show up at the door, they have to "take the case" as it were, but they can make you wait up to a week to be seen, but that sure beats the indefinite waiting for them to review your case, waiting lists, etc. I didn't go that route myself (this was before I was diagnosed with TN and was desperate to figure out this "mystery"), but was awfully close to heading out to MN.

Though, one thing to be careful of with the Mayo is about insurance, they will often do procedures, etc before checking to see if they are covered, so I would check yourself first before heading over there.

Comment by doowni on October 18, 2011 at 10:26am: I had my second MVD on 8/22/11...I feel great, I am not going to sugar coat it, the first 2 weeks after are not a pleasant experience. I am so happy now that I had the surgery. My Quality of life has improved drastically. My Dr was amazing. If anyone is in the NY area and wants a second opinion look up Dr Jeffrey Brown , Nuerosurgeon. I have so much faith in him, he really explained everything to me and took the time to answer all of my questions. That is key...ASK QUESTIONS!..i think sometimes dr's think we have the same level of knowledge that they do

Comment by Billie Koele-Miller on September 18, 2011 at 3:51pm: Hi All, I am new to the group and I have had this procedure done in 2010. Besides having a spinal fluid leak and a second surgery 8 days later, I was pain free for a whole year. when I cam back I went back to neurosurgeon and he suggested I have radiation done. I did that in May of this year. all my pain is back. My surgeon said he could do the MVD again but does not feel optimistic about it. I take 3600 MG of Neurontin and Effexor, Wellbuterin and Xanex as needed. Some days I am basically a zombie with no way of taking care of my children. This is a hard disease and being in this group reminds me that I am not alone.....and everyone here understands my pain and agony that we all go thru.

Comment by doowni on August 2, 2011 at 4:38pm: Hi all, I am new to the group ...I am going for my 2nd MVD in 3 weeks. Last year I had my 1st which gave me relief for almost a year, he pain is back about 20% the dr wants to go back in and stop the blood vessels from growing around the nerves so I can hopefully be medication free. I did very well after the last surgery, I am very nervous about this one though. I cannot go on with the medications, I have memory loss nad feel like I am living in a haze, I also do not think clearly. the pain is behind my right eye feels like somoen has stuck a tooth pick in there. I have to have this surgery just to have a somewhat normal life