Q A neurosurgeon recommended microvascular decompression surgery. How should I choose between surgery and Korean medicine treatment?
A If attacks are very frequent and medication is not working, surgery can be a fundamental solution. Korean medicine treatment plays a complementary role—stabilizing symptoms before surgery, or improving quality of life for those who do not want surgery.
Detailed Answer
Microvascular decompression is surgery that directly separates the blood vessel compressing the trigeminal nerve, and when appropriately indicated, it has a high long-term success rate. However, it carries the risks of general anesthesia and craniotomy, and recurrence is possible even after surgery. Korean medicine treatment cannot remove the structural cause, but it can reduce the intensity and frequency of pain before surgery, helping patients get through the period leading up to the surgical decision in a more stable way.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Dongjedang does not reject surgery. If attacks occur dozens of times a day and medication is not working, surgery may be the best option. However, before deciding whether to have surgery, observing for about three months with Korean medicine treatment to see how quality of life changes is also an option. If the decision is difficult, we will guide you to discuss it together with your attending neurosurgeon.
Related FAQs
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Q
The pain is so severe that I can't eat or speak. Is it realistically possible to get my daily life back with Korean medicine?
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I can't tell whether it's trigeminal neuralgia or a TMJ disorder. My jaw area hurts and makes sounds when I chew—can they occur together?
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Since developing trigeminal neuralgia, my headaches and anxiety have also gotten worse. I can't tell whether it's caused by the pain or a separate problem.
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I'm so afraid of an attack that I don't even want to talk or eat. How can I reduce attacks in daily life?
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The severe pain keeps me from sleeping, and I feel depressed and anxious. Do sleep and stress management affect trigeminal neuralgia too?
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