As I started this diary after my surgery, I never included a list of questions to ask prior to the procedure. But now after having gone through an MVD, there are many questions I wish I did ask before the procedure and never knew too, so here is a list of questions I might ask if I had to do it over again.

Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question.

Go in with all your questions written down and it’s best if someone is with you, as it is amazing how much you miss when you’re nervous.

Neurosurgeon Choice
•How many of these surgeries have you performed?
(If you are having the procedure done at a teaching hospital you may want to make sure the surgeon you are speaking with is the one that will actually be doing the procedure.)
•What is your PERSONAL success rate?
•What do you consider to be a successful MVD? Some doctors will tell you “being pain free” and some will tell you a “reduction in your medication”.
•Do you think I am a good candidate for MVD?

Actual MVD Procedure
•What are the complications that may arise?
•I’ve heard some people have a feeling of “ear fullness”. What are the chances of that happening to me and if so how long does it usually last?
•Is numbness after surgery something I need to be concerned about?
•Do you put my head in a halo and if so will there be pain from that after the surgery?
•What do you use to separate the nerve from the offending vessels compressing the nerve?
•Is there a chance this substance (usually teflon) will be rejected by my body?
•Is there a chance it could move? Even under severe movement (like a roller coaster for example)?
•How large is the hole you will be drilling into my skull?
•How large is the incision?
•How much of my hair will be shaved?
•What can I expect to happen when I check into the hospital that day?
•Should I expect to be nauseous or dizzy after surgery?
•Will I have headaches after surgery and if so, how long will they last?
•What can I expect to see and feel when I awake from the anesthetic?
•Is the relief from TN immediate or can it take time till I feel relief?
•What do you use for pain management after surgery?
•Can you prescribe something for presurgery nervousness for the few days prior to surgery?

Recovery
•How long will the recovery be?
•How long will I be in the hospital?
•When can I resume regular activities?
•When can I return to work (make sure he knows if you have a desk or a physical job)?
•When can I drive again after surgery?
•When can I wash my hair after surgery?
•Will I need help for a while and if so, for how long?
•If I have a question during my recovery, is there someone I can get a quick answer from?
•How do I wean off my TN medication?
•Can I wean off the medication slowly?
•How long after surgery will I have a follow up appointment with you?


Obviously you will need to tailor these question to suit your own situation.