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Updated: Feb 8, 2026
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Subcutaneous Trigeminal Nerve Field Stimulation for Refractory Facial Pain
Published on: May 10, 2017
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Trigeminal Neuralgia due to Vertebrobasilar Artery Compression
C Michael Honey1, Anthony M Kaufmann1
1Department of Surgery, Section of Neurosurgery, University of Manitoba Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
World Neurosurgery
|July 1, 2018
Summary
Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a safe and effective treatment for classical trigeminal neuralgia (cTN) caused by ectatic vertebrobasilar artery compression. This surgical approach offers significant pain relief for most patients, even with complex vascular anatomy.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- Classical trigeminal neuralgia (cTN) is rarely caused by ectatic vertebrobasilar artery compression.
- These cases present surgical challenges, often excluding patients from microvascular decompression (MVD) due to perceived risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of MVD in patients with cTN secondary to dolichoectatic vertebrobasilar artery compression.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of patients surgically treated for cTN between 1997 and 2016.
- Documentation of surgical techniques, complications, and hospital length of stay.
- Clinical follow-up via patient charts and telephone questionnaires.
Main Results:
- 13 out of 552 (2.4%) patients had cTN due to dolichoectatic vertebrobasilar compressions.
- Average hospital stay was 2.8 days with no major complications.
- At >2 years follow-up, 78% had no pain without medication; 22% had persistent pain.
Conclusions:
- cTN from dolichoectatic vertebrobasilar artery compression poses unique surgical difficulties.
- MVD can be safely and effectively performed in selected patients with vertebrobasilar ectasia.
- This approach offers significant pain relief for patients with this rare cause of cTN.
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