Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment in Mumbai: A Case of Permanent Relief through Surgery
Trigeminal Neuralgia is a severe and debilitating condition often referred to as the “suicide disease” due to the intensity of the pain it causes. This chronic pain disorder is characterized by sharp, electric shock-like facial pain caused by trigeminal nerve dysfunction. This nerve, responsible for transmitting facial sensations to the brain, becomes irritated due to contact with a blood vessel near the brainstem.
The pain is typically triggered by routine activities such as eating, drinking, brushing, or even exposure to wind. It significantly affects the patient’s quality of life and can lead to emotional distress. Though medications can help in the early stages, advanced cases require specialized interventions like micro vascular decompression (MVD).
Patient Review
Patient’s Name: Confidential
Patient’s Age: 26 years
Patient’s Gender: Female
Symptoms
Severe stabbing pain in the face
Pain triggered by drinking water, brushing teeth, and exposure to a fan’s breeze
Case Presentation
A 26-year-old woman consulted Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney, recognized among the best neurosurgeons in Mumbai, India, seeking relief from debilitating facial pain. She had been suffering from trigeminal neuralgia for 4-5 years, during which her condition progressively worsened.
The patient and her husband had consulted multiple specialists, many of whom suggested that the condition could only be managed with medications for a lifetime, leaving them disheartened. Besides, the recommended medications were unsuitable for pregnancy, preventing the couple from family planning.
After an initial consultation and evaluation, Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney recommended advanced imaging to confirm the diagnosis and plan the appropriate treatment. A specialized MRI scan pinpointed the nerve-artery conflict near the brainstem, confirming the diagnosis. Dr. Sawhney assured them her condition was treatable and curable through advanced surgical intervention.
Physical Examination & Tests
Neurological examination to identify pain patterns
Specialized MRI with nerve-artery overlap imaging to locate the exact nerve-artery conflict
Review of prior medical records and ineffective treatment outcomes
Treatment and Prognosis
Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney identified the condition as advanced trigeminal neuralgia caused by a blood vessel near the brainstem compressing the trigeminal nerve.
The patient underwent micro vascular decompression (MVD), a state-of-the-art procedure for trigeminal neuralgia treatment in Mumbai. The surgical process involved the following steps:
- Craniotomy: Sawhney made a minor incision behind the ear and removed a small portion of the skull bone to access the affected area.
- Localization:The nerve-artery conflict was visualized near the brainstem.
- Separation:The trigeminal nerve and the conflicting artery were carefully separated.
- Teflon Patch Placement:The doctor inserted a Teflon patch between the nerve and the artery to prevent future contact.
- Closure:The skull opening was closed, and the surgical site was sealed.
This procedure directly addressed the root cause, offering the patient a permanent cure. The prognosis was excellent, with the patient expected to resume daily activities sooner.
Post-Operative Assessment
Following the surgery, the patient experienced immediate relief from her symptoms. She was discharged from the hospital within two days, demonstrating rapid recovery. Three months after the procedure, she reported a completely pain-free life and expressed immense gratitude. Activities that once triggered unbearable pain, such as drinking water or brushing teeth, were now effortless and painless.
This patient’s case highlights the effectiveness of microvascular decompression as a curative approach to trigeminal neuralgia. Under the care of Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney, a highly regarded neurosurgeon in India, this treatment has transformed her life, offering hope to countless others suffering from this condition.