MVD vs Balloon Compression

[jen86]

Hi all,
I go to see the neurosurgeon in a week and I need to choose between either the mvd or balloon compression.
I'm leaning toward the mvd but I just don't know! I'm so scared and nervous, I know that it's worth it all but I just can't help it!
I know it's my decision at the end of the day but any experiences/words of advice would really go a long way in helping me with my decision!!!
Hugs to you all!

[ella138]

They are very different procedures.

The MVD is the only procedure at the moment that will control your TN without destroying your nerve. All the other procedures work by destroying the trigeminal nerve with the hopes of destroying the pain at the same time.
The problem with that, is that nerves often regenerate and the procedure may not last as long. Also with nerve destruction procedures the chance of anesthesia dolorosa is greater (and at the moment there is no cure for that). There is also a much greater risk of numbness because you are destroying the nerve.

The MVD is far more invasive, but for classic TN it is far more effective for a long term pain free outcome. It actually attempts to solve the problem by removing the offending vessels that are causing the nerve to missfire and padding off the nerve. The success rate is often around 95% with an experienced MVD surgeon and classic TN and the procedure can last from a year to forever.

Personally I opted for the MVD and I am 2 years and 4 months pain free and I am hoping for "forever". In the MVD diary (http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2028&page=2) I wrote a list of suggested questions to ask your surgeon about the procedure.

Good luck, I know you must be very nervous about making the right decision. It's not an easy one, but the more informed you are, and the more experience your doctor has, the better your end result will be.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you south of the border!

[jen86]

Looks like I have longer to think about what I want to do,
The receptionist for the neurosurgeon just rung and they have changed my appointment to the 18th January.
So at least when I go I'll be super sure of what I want to do but it really sucks having to wait even longer, I've already been waiting 5 months!!
Ok vent over now, sorry guys!!

[Silver Swan]

Dear Jen:

I realize how disappointing it is to have your appointment postponed, but it does give you much more time to research, and form your decision between the Balloon Compression and MVD. You are getting very good counsel here from others.

I had the B. C. and it did take away the terrible pains, but I do have 24/7
"dysesthesia", which consists of a perpetual spasm - like feeling on the right side of my face - the TN side - but with no visible signs such as twitching. It is more like burning, sometimes itching, tingling, tickling - all signs of nerve damage, which of course is the intention of the B. C. - to damage the trigeminal nerve root just enough to kill the pain. I am one of the 5% - 6% of those having the B. C. to have this after effect. I of course will take this in exchange for the excruciating TN pains and I know you understand what I mean. My neuro surgeon said I am the only one of his patients to have this after effect and I believe him.

The MVD is considered, by many, the best surgery for TN at this time. Only you can decide what surgery you wish to have. We all know that no surgery is guaranteed, so we have to make studied choices in consultation with our doctor/s and family and after as much research as possible.

I have a cyber friend who had Gamma Ray, then two failed MVDs, and she how has continuing bad headaches. Others have had the MVD and are completely pain and drug free.

So one has to make a choice and then hope for the best, I guess.

Shirley H.

[saraiderin]

A number of things helped me make my decsion to go a head with the MVD. I did my research. Asked a lot of questions.I got a 2nd opinon from another Neurosurgeon. I also made out a pro's and con's list. I folded a piece of paper in half. On one side I wrote all the positive things about the MVD and on the other side I wrote all the negative things. Is there someone that will go with you to your Surgical Consult? Knowing that I would be making a tough decsion, I always took someone with me to my doctor appointments. When I got hit with tough news, she was there to keep me from freaking out. She also knew what questions to remind me to ask, as we would talk before hand. I was blest to be able to watch a "Watch it as it happens MVD at the 2006 TNA national conference. I saw that it was a pretty straight up surgery. The worst thing for me watching it was the sound of the drill. As I will be asleep that will not be a problem.

The Striking Back book has a great section on all the Surgical treatments for TN. It also lists the possible complications and the rate that they happen for each procedure.

My prayers are with you. Hugs, Sarah