Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia in elderly patients

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Neurology
• Geriatric Medicine

Background:

• Microvascular decompression (MVD) is the preferred treatment for medically refractory trigeminal neuralgia (TN).
• Elderly patients often receive less invasive treatments due to surgical fitness concerns.
• The safety and efficacy of MVD in patients over 75 years old require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of MVD for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) in patients aged 75 years and older.
• To compare outcomes of MVD in elderly TN patients versus a younger control group.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records and telephone interviews.
• Comparison of 25 patients (mean age 79.4 years) undergoing MVD for TN with 25 younger controls (mean age 42.3 years).
• Data collected from July 2000 to December 2003.

Main Results:

• Initial pain relief was achieved in 96% of both elderly and younger patient groups.
• No operative deaths occurred in either group.
• After follow-up (average 44 months for elderly, 52 for controls), 78% of elderly and 72% of younger patients remained pain-free without medication.

Conclusions:

• Microvascular decompression is a safe and effective treatment option for elderly patients with trigeminal neuralgia.
• The complication and mortality rates for MVD in elderly patients are comparable to those in younger patients.