CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Microvascular decompression
ENDOSCOPIC MICROVASCULAR DECOMPRESSION
A minimally invasive procedure to relieve neurovascual nerve compression
About microvascular decompression
Microvascular decompression is a procedure which aims to relieve pressure from an artery on a cranial nerve — nerves which enter and leave the brain stem directly and pass through the skull base. The procedure treats a range of neurovascular compression syndromes, including:
- Trigeminal neuralgia. A chronic pain disorder causing severe, electric shock-like pain in one side of the face.
- Glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Extreme pain in the back of the throat, tongue and ear.
- Hemifacial spasm. Involuntary muscle spasms on one side of the face.
Need to know
The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make a small hole in the skull behind the ear. An endoscope (camera) will be then be passed through it. The camera on the endoscope allows your surgeon to view the nerves as they leave the brainstem without the need for a large incision or retraction.
Once the blood vessels compressing the nerves have been identified, the surgeon will separate the nerve and blood vessels using long instruments. This will release (decompresses) the nerve. The area will sealed and the muscles and skin sutured back together.
Your neurosurgeon will explain your procedure to you and answer any questions you might have.Because you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking before surgery. You may also be asked to attend a nurse-led pre-assessment clinic.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
After your microvascular decompression procedure, you'll be transferred to our recovery ward, where youll be looked after by a specialist team. Your neurosurgeon will explain your recovery time to you and when you can expect to get back to your usual routine.
Our Microvascular decompression locations
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Chiswick Outpatients
Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road W4 4HS London
The Wellington Neurosurgery Centre
8A Wellington Road NW8 9LE London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.