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Updated: Mar 25, 2026

Microvascular Decompression: Salient Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances
Published on: July 5, 2011
MRI of the Trigeminal Nerve in Patients With Trigeminal Neuralgia Secondary to Vascular Compression
Marion A Hughes1, Andrew M Frederickson2, Barton F Branstetter1,3
11 Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA.
Objective:
Trigeminal neuralgia is a debilitating facial pain disorder, frequently caused by vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve. Vascular compression that results in trigeminal neuralgia occurs along the cisternal segment of the nerve.
Conclusion:
Imaging combined with clinical information is critical to correctly identify patients who are candidates for microvascular decompression. The purpose of this article is to review trigeminal nerve anatomy and to provide strategies for radiologists to recognize important MRI findings in patients with trigeminal neuralgia.
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