Treatments
Microvascular Decompression in India
Quick answer
Microvascular decompression (MVD) is brain surgery that moves a blood vessel away from the trigeminal nerve and cushions it with a small pad. It treats trigeminal neuralgia, a severe face pain, when medicines fail. Most patients spend several days on the ward, with a week or two in India before flying.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-27
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At a glance
Cost of microvascular decompression in India
Publicly listed package prices range from $6,000 to $14,000 across 1 source (latest 2026). The final figure depends on the hospital, room category, implants and length of stay; every quote we send is in writing from the hospital.
| Hospital / source | City | Price | Includes | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Published estimate | India | $6,000–$14,000 | 2026 |
Trigeminal neuralgia causes sudden, electric-shock-like pain in the face, often triggered by eating, talking or touching the skin. In many patients, an artery presses on the nerve where it leaves the brainstem.
MVD treats this cause directly. Through a small opening behind the ear, the surgeon finds the vessel and places a Teflon pad between it and the nerve. Unlike procedures that damage the nerve, MVD aims to keep normal face sensation.
Who needs microvascular decompression
- Classical trigeminal neuralgia not controlled by medicines such as carbamazepine
- Patients with intolerable side effects from pain medicines
- MRI showing a blood vessel in contact with the trigeminal nerve
- People fit enough for general anaesthesia and brain surgery
- Hemifacial spasm, using the same technique on the facial nerve
How it is done
- General anaesthesia is given and the patient lies on their side.
- A small incision is made behind the ear and a coin-sized opening is made in the skull.
- Under a microscope, the surgeon gently moves the cerebellum aside to reach the nerve.
- The compressing vessel is lifted away and a small Teflon pad is placed as a cushion.
- The covering of the brain is sealed and the bone opening is closed or covered.
Before you travel to India
- High-resolution MRI focused on the trigeminal nerve (such as CISS or FIESTA sequences)
- List of medicines tried, with doses and side effects
- Pain diary describing triggers and frequency
- Hearing test if available, as a baseline
- An attendant for the first days after surgery
Recovery and flying home
- Most patients spend several days on the ward
- Pain relief is often noticed soon after surgery
- Plan a week or two in India for wound review before flying
- Pain medicines are reduced gradually under guidance
- Most people return to normal activities over a few weeks
Risks
- Hearing loss on the operated side
- Facial numbness or weakness
- Leak of brain fluid
- Stroke, bleeding or infection, which are uncommon
- Pain returning in later years
Alternatives
- Medicines such as carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine
- Gamma Knife radiosurgery, a non-invasive option with slower relief
- Percutaneous procedures such as radiofrequency rhizotomy or balloon compression, which work by injuring the nerve
Conditions treated
Hospitals in India for microvascular decompression
- Medanta - The MedicityDelhi NCR
- AIG Hospitals, GachibowliHyderabad
- Aster MedcityKochi
- Artemis HospitalDelhi NCR
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research InstituteMumbai
- Indraprastha Apollo HospitalsDelhi NCR
- BLK-Max Super Speciality HospitalDelhi NCR
- Apollo Multispecialty Hospitals, KolkataKolkata
- Continental HospitalsHyderabad
Specialists
- Dr Varindera Paul SinghMedanta - The Medicity
- Dr Abhaya KumarKokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute
Dr Ashok BhanageRuby Hall Clinic- Dr Ravi Suman ReddyYashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda
Dr Karanjit Singh NarangMedanta - The Medicity- Dr Deshpande Vasudevarao RajakumarFortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road
Frequently asked questions
Why choose MVD over other procedures?
MVD treats the cause of pressure and aims to keep normal face feeling. Other procedures damage the nerve on purpose, which often leaves numbness. MVD is a bigger operation, so fitness matters.
Do I need a vessel visible on MRI?
A vessel seen on MRI supports the decision, but small veins may not show. The surgeon also relies on your typical symptoms.
Can older patients have MVD?
Age alone does not rule it out, but overall health is important. Frail patients may be offered less invasive options.
Will the pain stop immediately?
Many patients notice relief soon after surgery. Some need a few weeks. Medicines are tapered slowly.
When can I fly home after MVD?
Most patients are cleared after wound checks and a short recovery period. Ask your surgeon for a written fitness-to-fly note. Carry your discharge summary in case you need care abroad.
Sources
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-27. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices
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