• M Leandri, P Eldridge, and J Miles.
• Centro Interuniversitario per la Neurofisiologia del Dolore, University of Genova, Italy.
• Neurology. 1998 Dec 1; 51 (6): 1641-6.

ObjectiveTo assess the function of trigeminal nerve before and after microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia.BackgroundTo date there is no direct evidence that microvascular decompression of the trigeminal root restores normal conduction in the nerve.MethodsThe authors examined 10 patients with trigeminal neuralgia in whom preoperative MRI and MR angiography demonstrated neurovascular contact. During microvascular decompression, the trigeminal nerve was monitored by recording early scalp trigeminal evoked potentials immediately before, during, and after decompression. Direct recordings from the root entry zone were also performed.ResultsIn all patients preoperative scalp evoked potentials showed impaired conduction of the trigeminal root. Microvascular decompression was associated with immediate recovery of conduction in seven patients, demonstrated by both scalp evoked potentials and direct root recordings. All 10 patients were pain free postoperatively.ConclusionsImprovement in trigeminal neuralgia following microvascular decompression is often associated with normalization of neurophysiologic data, suggesting recovery of nerve function. Rapid electrophysiologic recovery and pain relief following microvascular decompression argue that neither phenomenon is linked to remyelination. It is possible that the trigeminal evoked potentials might predict an effective microvascular decompression.

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