Long-term efficacy analysis of microvascular decompression in primary trigeminal neuralgia

Objective To investigate the factors associated with longterm efficacy of microvascular decompression in primary trigeminal neuralgia. Methods 1412 cases of primary trigeminal neuralgia treated with microvascular decompression were followed 12 to 144 months(mean 74 months). Results Trigeminal neuralgia were obliterated in 1、228cases(87%) and partially relieved in 140 cases(9.9%). However, trigeminal neuralgia recurred in 44 cases (3.1%). We reoperated on those who had recurrent trigeminal neuralgia and found that the material used for previous decompression had moved. The movement of decompression material could be the cause of trigeminal neuralgia recurrence. Conclusions Upholding of depression material around the blood vessels against movement near the trigeminal nerve plays an important role for improving the long-term efficacy of MVD in trigeminal neuralgia.