Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Trigeminal Neuralgia Associated with the Vertebral Artery: A Report of Two Cases

Abstract Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve disorder that causes unilateral severe facial pain. The clinical features of trigeminal neuralgia are agonizing, paroxysmal, anticipated in one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve, with repetitive bursts of a few seconds, exacerbated by cutaneous stimuli. Microvascular decompression is proven effective, resulting in a positive outcome. Here, we report two cases of trigeminal neuralgia associated with the vertebral artery, who underwent endoscopic microvascular decompression. This case report aims to show the benefit of computational fluid dynamics evaluation of the neurovascular contact and its effect on change in wall shear stress magnitude of the offending vertebral artery after surgical management with microvascular decompression.