[Prevalences of Trigeminal Neuralgia and Hemifacial Spasm].

Neurosurgeons must have knowledge about the epidemiology of trigeminal neuralgia and facial spasm. The annual incidence of trigeminal neuralgia is 4.3-28.9 per 100,000 persons, with a prevalence of 76.8 per 100,000 persons, increasing with age. It is more common in women and on the right side, with SCA being the most common causative vessel. The long-term efficacy of MVD for trigeminal neuralgia is 80% with complete resolution of pain and 5.2% with complications, which is safe and highly effective when performed by an expert surgeon. Hemifacial spasm has an annual incidence of 0.78/100,000 with a prevalence of approximately 10 per 100,000, increasing with age. It is more common in women and on the left side. AICA alone is the most common causative vessel. The long-term efficacy of MVD for facial spasms is 87.1% with complete resolution of facial spasms and 3.0% with complications. As with trigeminal neuralgia, safe and highly effective treatment can be expected when treated by an expert surgeon.