Why do I need an MRI for trigeminal neuralgia? This is because trigeminal neuralgia is divided into primary trigeminal neuralgia and secondary trigeminal neuralgia. The cause of primary trigeminal neuralgia is not clear, and there is no accurate data to show what it is related to, but the common saying now is that it is due to the compression of nerves by blood vessels. The cause of secondary trigeminal neuralgia is clearer, mostly due to tumors, inflammation or arachnoid adhesions, and can be determined by MRI, which clearly shows the condition of trigeminal neuralgia and facilitates the diagnosis of the disease. The scan can reveal any lesions near the trigeminal nerve, and if tumors, inflammation or displaced trigeminal nerve involvement are found, secondary trigeminal neuralgia can be identified. There are also some differences between the two treatment modalities. The treatment of trigeminal neuralgia must clarify whether it is primary trigeminal neuralgia or secondary trigeminal neuralgia. Primary trigeminal neuralgia can be treated by apparent microvascular decompression. Secondary trigeminal neuralgia is not simply treated for secondary causes. If tumor compression is present, the condition caused by the tumor should be addressed first. After tumor removal, if the vascular nerve remains adherent, microvascular decompression should still be performed. This is also the most effective and clinically applicable surgical treatment. The principle of surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia is to separate the compressed nerve vessels under the operation of microscope. The procedure is performed under microscopic manipulation to separate the compressed nerve vessels, thereby releasing the vessels from compression of the nerve root and restoring the normal function of the nerve. Under general anesthesia, a 4-6 cm longitudinal incision is made behind the affected ear and in the hairline, and a cranial hole with a diameter of about 2 cm is opened. Once the responsible vessels are isolated, the source of irritation disappears, and the hyperexcitability of the trigeminal nucleus disappears and returns to normal. The pain disappears immediately after surgery in the vast majority of patients, and normal facial sensation and function are preserved without affecting the quality of life. The surgical technique is mature, and microvascular decompression is a mature surgical method after years of clinical application, and the operation is relatively simple. 2. The surgical effect is obvious, and microvascular decompression is the only surgical method that can cure primary trigeminal neuralgia, and most patients can quickly relieve the symptoms after surgery, and the recurrence rate is low. 3.Small surgical trauma, microvascular decompression is a minimally invasive surgery done under a microscope, with small surgical trauma, less bleeding and fast recovery. 4, high surgical safety, microvascular decompression as one of the neurosurgery procedures, compared with many traditional surgery, safety has been significantly improved, will not affect the surrounding nerve tissue.