Trigeminal neuralgia: Mechanisms of treatment

Background: Mechanisms of the surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia are considered. Results: Trigeminal neuralgia is effectively treated by microvascular decompression(MVD) and other surgical procedures. These procedures often cause reactivation of herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is latent in trigeminal ganglion neurons. Conclusion: MVD and other surgical procedures alter ganglion neuron transcription, as indicated by HSV reactivation. Controlled injury of the trigeminal root-ganglion probably occurs with the disparate surgical procedures, and this is likely the means of their effectiveness.