Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia.

Eleven patients with intractable trigeminal neuralgia were treated by posterior fossa microvascular decompression. Complete pain relief was achieved in 7 patients (63.3%). Partial relief of symptoms was noted in 3 patients (27%). There was no operative mortality. Two patients developed transient lower cranial nerve palsies whereas one patient developed a CSF leak, requiring treatment by lumbar drain. Compared to ablative procedures, microvascular decompression is an effective and safe method of treatment for trigeminal neuralgia.