Trigeminal neuralgia: mechanisms of treatment.

BACKGROUND

Mechanisms of the surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia are considered.

RESULTS

Trigeminal neuralgia is effectively treated by microvascular decompression (MVD) and other surgical procedures. These procedures often cause reactivation of herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is latent in trigeminal ganglion neurons.

CONCLUSION

MVD and other surgical procedures alter ganglion neuron transcription, as indicated by HSV reactivation. Controlled injury of the trigeminal root-ganglion probably occurs with the disparate surgical procedures, and this is likely the means of their effectiveness.