Treatment and diagnostics for abroad

Facial neuralgia is a lesion of the facial nerve, manifested by pain on one side of the face. It can be caused by compression by a blood vessel or cyst. Over time, the number and intensity of pain attacks increase, which seriously affects the quality of life.

Treatment of neuralgia begins with taking various medications, but medications are rarely a long–term solution. If the drugs stop working or cause side effects, surgery is recommended. Modern procedures, including microvascular decompression, radiosurgery with a Gamma knife, and percutaneous rhizotomy, can be performed in clinics in Israel, Germany, India, China, Korea, and Singapore.

Methods of surgery of facial nerve neuralgia abroad

Before surgery, the patient undergoes an MRI scan with the FIESTA high-precision 3D program. Testing shows whether the neuralgia is caused by compression of the facial nerve and where the problem area is located.

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

Gamma ray radiosurgery is a non-invasive procedure during which highly focused beams deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to the nerve very precisely. The destruction of some neurons helps to stop the flow of pain signals to the brain, and the pain goes away. The procedure is well tolerated by most patients, has a short recovery period and few side effects.

Percutaneous rhizotomy

Percutaneous rhizotomy is also performed abroad for the treatment of facial nerve neuralgia. A hollow needle is inserted through the cheek and reaches the problem area. It destroys it with the help of temperature, injection of glycerin or compression with an air balloon. The pain usually goes away instantly.

Microvascular decompression

This intracranial surgery through a small hole behind the ear instantly relieves pain and does not leave scars on the face. During the procedure, a tiny Teflon pad is placed between the nerve and a blood vessel that presses on it. Microvascular decompression gives instant results, and the patient recovers quickly. Invasive surgery is suitable for those whose pain has not responded to treatment or has resumed after a percutaneous or radiosurgical procedure.

Placement of the stimulator

If none of the above treatment options have helped relieve the pain, the doctor may recommend implantation of an electrode. A small stimulator is placed under the skin near the problem area. It will direct electrical impulses to the facial nerve, stimulating it and eliminating pain.

Acupuncture

In Chinese clinics, facial nerve neuralgia is treated with acupuncture. In some patients, acupuncture provides rapid pain relief and shortens the duration of hospitalization after surgery.