Abstract:

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is usually characterized by unilateral recurrent electric shock-like pain, and its painful range is strictly limited to the distribution of the branches from trigeminal sensory root, its etiology is neurovascular conflict (NVC) of the trigeminal sensory root, classic trigeminal neuralgia (CTN) is the most common type. The location of NVC can occur in any part of the trigeminal sensory root, and root entry zone (REZ) of the trigeminal sensory root is the most common position of NVC. The types and proportions of offending vessels are different. The angle between the long axis of trigeminal nerve root and the long axis of body, the length of REZ area, the rotation of trigeminal sensory fiber and the different compression position of trigeminal nerve sensory root can affect the painful range of TN. Microvascular decompression (MVD) is the most effective surgical treatment for CTN patients, with high cure rate and few complications, but there are still a certain proportion of ineffective and recurrence after operation. Accurate judgment of NVC position, complete release of offending vessels and adequate decompression are the important guarantee of postoperative relief rate effectively. However, up to 30% of slim compression cannot be found, and multiple vascular compression occasionally occurs. The location of NVC and the proportion of offending vessels are the main factors affecting the painful range of TN. Further studies which are divisions of locations from NVC and influences of types from offending vessels in different positions on the painful range of TN, will provide theoretical basis for improving the success rate while patients with CTN have MVD surgery.

Key words: Trigeminal neuralgia, Microvascular decompression, Neurovascular conflict, Proportion of offending vessels