[Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia in older patients]

Microvascular decompression (MVD) is an effective form of surgery for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN), and is superior to other procedures utilized in the treatment of this condition. TN is commonly seen in the elderly, but there is debate regarding the use of MVD in elderly patients. This report presents a retrospective review of the clinical features and surgical outcomes in elderly patients with TN. We divided TN patients into two groups: an elderly group more than 70 years old and a younger group under 70 years old. There were no serious complications in either group, and the length of hospital stay was not influenced by the age of the patients. Surgical outcome was excellent in both groups. The surgical findings in the elderly group were atrophy of the cerebellum and segmental sclerotic changes in the affected artery. In cases of trigeminal neuralgia in which medical therapy has failed to produce beneficial results, we encourage elderly patients to undergo MVD if their general condition is stable. However, this procedure should be performed with great care in elderly patients to avoid the onset of complications.