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10. Microvascular Decompression

Microvascular decompression is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the skull and dura, the covering of the brain, to expose the facial nerve. The surgeon follows the seventh cranial nerve to its source in the brain stem and pushes the problematic artery away from the nerve. The surgeon then inserts a pad over the facial nerve to shield it from future compression and irritation. This procedure is effective approximately 85% of the time.

facial nerve, surgery, decompression, artery adventtr / Getty Images
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