I am reading alot about the endoscope procedure for TN instead of the MVD. Does anyone have any experience or information on this procedure? And if so ,where it is being done ? Anxious to explore another option, since I have bilateral TN, and am not looking forward to two MVD's. Hoping someone can give me some information.
Hi gem,
Some surgeons will use an endoscope in addition to a microscope to better be able to view the root entry zone and possible compressions while performing an MVD.
It is still an MVD.
And only one side at a time can be operated on. ( usually you must wait a year or more between mvds, depending on the surgeon and the individual’s path with TN)
I too have bilateral TN.
Had my left side MVD in April. Should my right side ever become resistant to meds and progress I wouldn’t hesitate to have an MVD on my right.
To find out who performs this in your area do a google search with “endoscopic MVD” and include your state, province etc.
Mimi 
Thanks Mimi for your response. I am curious about your bilateral. Did it start at the same time? How did you choose what side to do first? And how long have you been suffering with it? Very unusual to find someone with bilateral, its comforting to know someone else understands this. Thank you
I have bilateral, and I have had MVD on both sides this year. I am not familiar with the endoscopic method, but I would urge you to do lots of research and choose a surgeon who is EXPERT in TN and any procedures before you go forward. The expertise really matters in the outcome of these surgeries.
Best of luck
I agree with Christine, research as much as you can and meet with more than one neurosurgeon before deciding.
My right side started first then 2-3 months later my left side…back in 2002.
Both sides went into remission at the same time.
8 year remission for right TN1 side
10 year remission for left TN2 side.
My right side responded well to Tegretol XR 800mg, no pain, yet I couldn’t reduce med or pain would return immediately. I managed quite normally, working, etc, no one really knew I had it, except close family & friends.
My left side TN2 woke up and progressed rapidly,Including type 1 pain now, becoming resistant to any and all meds…that’s when I started researching procedures…I had to stop working, pretty much unable to function at all due to high pain levels and high doses of meds that didn’t even touch the pain.
After much research I chose MVD.
I’m glad I did,I had MVD on April 9th of this year.
No compressions were ever found on any of my MRIs throughout the years. But 3 were found during my MVD.
Although I’m not TN free, my pain now responds to the meds, allowing me more ability to function.
It was a blessing! I’m so grateful.
My right side is quiet, although this summer I’ve had a few twinges of pain, but thankfully nothing further.
I will say this, I have never had pain on both sides at once, ever.
It’s one side at a time for me…
Mimi xx
thank you Mimi, I am so glad to hear that you have a success story. It is very encouraging to hear. I am suffering, We have not found the right combination of drugs to help it. I have had it about 11 months. I am allergic to tegretol and have tried gaberpentine,lamitical,and baclofen. Still trying to get the right cocktail.