Microvascular decompression is a major neurosurgical procedure stemming from reports that trigeminal nerve (e.g., sensory root) compression may be of etiological importance in this condition. It involves gaining entry into the posterior fossa of the skull and identifying and decompressing the trigeminal nerve in order to provide pain relief without sensory loss.

 Postherpetic Neuralgia, Etiology, Pathogenesis, and Management