Your Notifications
All done, no notifications

Microvascular Decompression (MVD): Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

Microvascular Decompression (MVD) is a surgical procedure used to relieve pressure on a nerve when a nearby blood vessel compresses it. This pressure can cause intense facial pain or muscle spasms. The surgery is often used to treat conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm.

To perform the surgery, the doctor creates a small opening behind the ear. Through this opening, the surgeon carefully moves the blood vessel away from the nerve. A soft, tiny cushion is placed in between so the two don’t touch anymore.

The primary goal is to alleviate pain without damaging the nerve. The nerve usually continues to function after surgery. This procedure is done while the patient is asleep under general anaesthesia. After surgery, most people stay in the hospital for a few days and gradually return to their routine over the following weeks.

Here are the signs and symptoms of a Microvascular Decompression (MVD),

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Stiffness
  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Infection
  • Imbalance
  • Blurredvision
  • Vomiting
  • Drowsiness
  • Sensitivity
  • Irritation
  • Fever
  • Tinnitus
  • Vertigo

Most people stay in the hospital for around 3 to 5 days after Microvascular Decompression (MVD). During this time, doctors closely check for any signs of swelling, infection, or side effects.

Once at home, recovery usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Some people may feel better sooner, while others may take a little longer, depending on their overall health and the rate at which their body heals. Light activities can often be resumed within a few weeks, but heavy lifting and strenuous work should be avoided until the doctor approves.

Regular follow-up visits are essential to ensure the nerve is healing correctly and that the symptoms have improved. Most patients experience significant relief from pain or twitching within the first few weeks after surgery.

Choose Destination for Your Treatment

Please Enquire

Required | alphabets and spaces
Required | A valid, working email address
Required | A valid contact

NOTE: With this information, I as a user, give MediGence the permission to access my healthcare related data and information to help me get the expert opinion. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.

Best Microvascular Decompression (MVD) Hospitals

Bangkok Hospital

Bangkok Hospital

Bangkok, Thailand

One of the most renowned and honoured hospital networks in Asia- Pacific is Bangkok Dusit Medical Se...more

FACILITIES

Free Wifi

Rehabilitation

International Patient's Lounge

phone in the room SIM

Joint Commission International, or JCI
Fortis Memorial Research Institute

Fortis Memorial Research Institute

Gurgaon, India

Fortis Healthcare Limited is a premier integrated healthcare delivery provider in India, with a netw...more

FACILITIES

Diet on Request

Post-Surgery Care Services

Foreign Currency Exchange

Private Rooms

Joint Commission International, or JCINational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)
Acibadem International Hospital

Acibadem International Hospital

Istanbul, Turkey

Situated in Istanbul, Turkey & largest city, the International Hospital is a multi-specialty med...more

FACILITIES

Foreign Currency Exchange

Private Rooms

Free Wifi

Rehabilitation

Joint Commission International, or JCI

Consult Online with World’s Best Microvascular Decompression (MVD)

View All Doctors
View All Doctors

Explore Top Hospitals Worldwide for Microvascular Decompression (MVD)

India
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
Spain
Thailand
United Kingdom
Vietnam
Malaysia
Israel
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
South Africa
Lithuania
Poland
South Korea
Tunisia
Hungary
Jordan
Switzerland

Explore Top Hospitals for Microvascular Decompression (MVD)

Dr. Abdullah Rahil
Author

Dr. Abdullah Rahil

MPT (Neuro)

7 Years of Experience

Last Reviewed - June 2026

Dr. Abdullah Rahil, M.P.T. (Neurology), is a dedicated physiotherapy professional specializing in orthopedic, neurological, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. With strong clinical expertise, he focuses on improving patient mobility, reducing pain, and restoring functional independence through evidence-based rehabilitation techniques. He is skilled in advanced therapeutic approaches that support effective rehabilitation and recovery for a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, focusing on improving mobility, reducing pain, and restoring functional independence. Dr. Rahil has extensive experience managing diverse rehabilitation cases. His patient-centered approach emphasizes personalized treatment plans, continuous assessment, and comprehensive rehabilitation to achieve optimal recovery outcomes.
View More
⁠Dr Rakesh Kumar Dua
Reviewer

⁠Dr Rakesh Kumar Dua

Spine & Neurosurgeon

25 Years of Experience

Last Reviewed - June 2026

Dr. Rakesh Dua has more than 25+ years of clinical experience in spine surgeries. He is currently providing his services as Director, Neuro & Spine Surgery at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh. Before joining Fortis Hospital, he was associated with Max super-specialist Hospital, Shalimar Bagh as Director Neurosurgery & Head Neuro Spine, and with UCMS & GTB hospital as head of the neurosurgery department.
View More