Treatment of Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia: Comparison of Long-term Outcome after Radiofrequency Rhizotomy and Microvascular Decompression

Abstract

Because it is curative and nondestructive, MVD is considered the treatment of choice for trigeminal neuralgia in otherwise healthy people. In our study, it proved to be a more effective and long-lasting procedure for patients with typical trigeminal neuralgia than radiofrequency rhizotomy. Patients without postoperative sensory deficit remained pain free significantly longer, which is a strong argument against the "trauma" hypothesis of this procedure.