I am trying to put together a convincing argument for my neurologist to have the Gamma Knife surgery. I have prepared a bunch of research and I wanted to get any info from anyone here that has had it.
Thanks!
-Aimee
I went to the head surgeon of a group that did Gamma Knife thinking that would be the best route for treating my Trigeminal Neuralgia. I was in very bad shape. The medications were no longer working for me and I was in constant pain. He spent over an hour with my wife and I, going over 3 options. His recommendation because of the shape I was in was the MVD. I had that operation and It cured me. That was over 4 years ago. I was in pain for 12 years. He drilled a hole behind my ear, pulled the Trigeminal nerve away from the main artery that was grown into it and put a Teflon pad between the two. I live in Kansas City MO.
You must have esp. I was just going online to post the very same question. I tried
to have the glycerol injection a few weeks ago but the neurosurgeon was unable to
do the injection due to what he said was a lack of fluid where he had to make the injection.
I couldn't believe I had gone throught all that I had to get the injection and have it not
work. Long story short, it was very difficult and I am an old lady who has a lot of other
health problems.
I have already talked to the people at the cyberknife center and I am planning the
procedure for about the 2nd week in November and I am very nervous. I have
heard some horror stories and I have heard of some really good outcomes. Like you,
I have done a lot of research on everything that is available and cyberknife seems to
be the last chance I have to have a life (what there is left of it). I am having to increase
the amount of tegretol and Lyrica and I can't walk a straight line much less drive a car.
So it was very nice when I signed on and you had posted this question. Maybe we will
both get the answers that we need. I wish you the very best of luck. I know how
horrible it is to live with this horrible condition.
I also invite anyone with knowledge of gammaknife to share their info with me.
Thanks,
Traveler
I had the injection twice. First time it worked for a few weeks, the second time, nothing. I would look for someone that has been successful on a regular basis with the MVD. I have been pain free for over 4 years. I am cured. Gamma knife is just two lasers that intersect and make a pinpoint burn. It is burning something in your brain. They can burn up a tumor without cutting into the old melon. It can sever nerves. It may or may not work.
I am wanting the Gamma knife surgery because I can't have the MVD. My nerves aren't the certain way that makes me a candidate for that surgery. :( For the research I have done, the Gamma Knife is one of the most successful treatments/surgeries for our condition.