I am curious the outcomes of MVD if your MRI did not show compression. I have seen several videos in which surgeons say they will still operate even without the compression showing on the MRI.
I had two MRI and no compression showed. My neurosurgeon said I had compression just from my medical history. I had MVD and two arteries and one vein compression were found.
I had an MRI that didn't show compression. Had MVD where compression was found, had one vein removed. My neurosurgeon said that just because the MRI doesn't show compression does not mean compression is not happening.
This is very helpful. I've had 3 MRIs and no compression shows. My neurosurgeon thinks it is there. My problem is that I have reduced hearing in the left ear with pain on my right side. If I lose hearing in the right ear, I will be in trouble. I cancelled my MVD last summer and now the pain is back. Is there anyone else out there who didn't have visible compression but had surgery anyway?
My MRIs showed no compressions yet when my NS went in I had 3 arterial compressions. My NS believes in symptoms more than anything when deciding to do surgery or not.
Kathleen: 2 of my compressions were not the Trigeminal nerve. They were the nerves that deal with hearing. I was having horrific ear pain prior to surgery. I haven’t had any ear pain or issues since my surgery, 2 years ago.
When I had my MRI in order to schedule my MVD (this is in late 2011) it looked like I most likely had a compression. I'm young, really healthy, have great insurance and the time to recover so we decided to move with surgery (January 2012). I found out after surgery that I did not have a compression at all. However, I was told by my surgeon that he stimulated my nerve by touching it (I have photos where you can see how he kind of 'un-wove' the threads of my TN nerve). I ended up living 13 months pain free and medication free. My TN came back most likely because of going on a fertility medication (this is a theory that we have my neuro team).
I have had many further discussions regarding nerve stimulation with my neuro team — my neurologist (who is a neurologist, professor and researcher at the Univ. of Utah) and Neuro NP. I have had a nerve block recently and I've had my first round of botox (I also have chronic migraines). He said that there is a lot of new research and discussion out the in the community regarding nerve stimulation with TN and nerve patients. I don't know — just interesting. Again, I do not have a compression. My TN is not from a compression, accident or dental work. It's unknown why I have it.
Hi, no compressions ever showed on any of my mris between 2002-2012
During MVD 3 compressions were found.
I went into surgery knowing I could wake up with no change. 50/50 chance my NS said…but I was at the end of my rope, suffering excruciating pain and my TN became resistant to meds… I researched and read as much as I could and was confident in my decision to try MVD.
My result; I was able to wean from 3 meds to 1 AND was pain free for 4-5 months…
Would I do MVD again? In a heartbeat. But it’s a very personal decision.
Here is a lnk to my surgical report.
http://www.livingwithtn.org/forum/topics/received-my-mvd-surgical-report-today
(( hugs))) Mimi
@Jessica, I’ve just started botox too…December was my first time.
I did the MVD & regret going it. Not only did it not correct my problem, it has caused other problems. Make sure you are fully aware of everything if you decide to go through with it.