Motor Cortex Surgery

[sassy50]

Why do so few neurologist ever mention Motor Cortex Surgery to help with atypcial facial pain? Since MVD is used for more classic TN patients who have a vessel or something irritating the tn nerve and not known for it's success in atypical cases i don't understand why MCS option isn't being discussed more frequently.
i know of several facial pain sufferers who have had the gamma knife procedure and it either has to be repeated or it has increased their pain even caused anesthesia delarosa and even this is a more known treatment not maybe a better one.
personal opinion is that i would never let anyone use the gamma knife on me because i promised to do no harm and protect the nerve at all costs. the MCS doesn't harm the nerve since it interrupts the pain signal. yes, the surgery is risky but not opening up the dura is safer than MVD. also, the pain relief for back pain using similiar technique works for a lot of patients without evassive surgery so just curious....


  

[painterchic]

Thanks for sharing your information on a little know procedure. I have a few questions if you don't mind sharing. What made you finally chose to do have a surgery done? And why did you choose the MCS over all the more traditional ones? Also, since you still have to take meds and avoid triggers, what is the advantage? Just pain at a lower level? I am wondering at what point do I make that call. What are the risks of the surgery? Higher or lower than the others?
If you don't mind posting your answers I am sure there are many who would be wondering as well.
Thanks for sharing. I'm so glad that it has given you your life back.

[sassy50]

i actually had the mcs surgery four years ago and it has been the only course of treatment that has given me any relief, not a cure. i am so glad i did it. i resumed my life differently and triggers are still in play but it beats crawling from bed to couch to doctors for two years it's a great tool along with meds and avoidance of triggers. ;ofe style etc.
thanks for you input i would recommend it to anyone who has exhausted the medication route i just wish i would of done it sooner and by passed the alternative treatments which did nothing  except empty our pockets.i guess it is just the process of this disease you save the big kaboom for last and go for it.
blessings for pain free days for you. if you need any info on what i tried before surgery or on the surgery itself please let me know. always looking for a way to help my fellow sufferers.

[painterchic]

I know. I wonder the same thing. I have been researching it and talking to some people who have had it and speak highly of it. It seems like some secret project or something! I know that it has been life changing for the people who have had it and although they still take meds, it has allowed them to resume their lives. It seems to me as if it's almost like putting in an internal tens unit.  Personally I am not at a point where I am ready to do that, but if and when the time comes, I do believe that it the path that I would take. With ATN, we don't really have as many options anyway, do we...  I have some information on it if you would like some more.