Endoscopic Craniotomy Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia or Hemifacial Spasm

The trigeminal nerve is the 5th cranial nerve which branches to provide sensation to different parts of the face including the eyes, cheek and jaw. Trigeminal neuralgia causes pain in these regions of the face when the trigeminal nerve is compressed by a blood vessel. On rare occasions, the trigeminal nerve may be compressed due to a tumor in the brain. Patients with trigeminal neuralgia experience episodes of severe facial pain, which can be triggered by talking, chewing or touching the face.