Is surgical intervention performed for trigeminal neuralgia?

Surgical intervention for trigeminal neuralgia can indeed be performed, and nerve avulsion is one of the surgical techniques used to alleviate the symptoms. This condition, characterized by severe facial pain, often necessitates treatment when conservative measures, such as medications, do not provide adequate relief.

Surgical options, including nerve avulsion or microvascular decompression, aim to interrupt the pain signals transmitted by the trigeminal nerve. Nerve avulsion, specifically, involves cutting the nerve to halt its function; this can provide significant relief for many patients suffering from this debilitating disorder.

It's important to note that while surgery is not the first-line treatment and is typically considered after other treatments have failed, it is a viable option for patients regardless of age, counter to what might be implied regarding the necessity of age in selecting surgical candidates. By understanding the effectiveness of surgical interventions and the conditions under which they are applied, patients and healthcare providers can better navigate treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia.