Microvascular decompression

Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a minimally invasive surgery that can provide long-lasting relief for conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia or hemifacial spasm.

In cranial nerve disorders, small arteries or veins press on your cranial nerves, which govern sensation and movement in the face. This friction causes painful facial spasms or twitching.

MVD is used to address the classic symptoms of cranial nerve disorders, including:

• Geniculate neuralgia
• Glossopharyngeal neuralgia
• Hemifacial spasms
• Trigenimal neuralgia

What to expect

By inserting tiny Teflon pillows between the blood vessels and the nerves, Aurora’s expert neurosurgeons provide padding for the nerves, and in most cases, long-term relief for patients.

Recovery

If your neurological team recommends MVD to treat one of these conditions, you can expect your symptoms to stop right after your procedure. Hospital stay length after MVD varies.