Microvascular decompression as a surgical management for trigeminal neuralgia: a critical review of the literature.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a common pain syndrome and is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense lancinating pain in one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve. Neurovascular compression (NVC) has been considered as the main cause of TN in the root entry zone (REZ) of the trigeminal nerve in the cerebellopontine angle cistern. Microvascular decompression (MVD) is the surgical procedure of choice for the treatment of medically refractory TN. MVD has also been shown to provide pain relief even in patients without visible neurovascular compression. Additionally, it has been accepted that MVD can provide the highest rate of long-term patient satisfaction with the lowest rate of pain recurrence. We did, systematic review of the subject and also our own experiences.