Carly,

I have heard of people who've had the MVD surgery and had some facial paralysis. I've never heard of anyone who's entire left or right side drooped or that severe. I had some numbness on my left cheek, but the feeling has since returned. I still have an area (2" x 2") behind my left ear at the top of the lobe that is still numb. It's only been 15 days since my surgery so I'm not really worried aabout it. I'd rather have numbness and some facial paralysis than the amount of extreme pain I was suffering the last 2 years. I would have done my MVD surgery sooner if I'd had my neuorsurgeon read my MRI back in 2006. I could have saved myself a lot of suffering, time, money, etc. If your pain level was anywhere near what mine was (10 on pain scale for days at a time even while on 1600mg of tegretol/day), then you won't worry about a small chance of some facial numbness.

Seek out an 'expert' neurologist and/or neurosurgeon who has lots of experience. Check them out. It's worth your time. We are all pulling for you in here regardless of your treatment decision. Stay strong and keep the faith. There is a treatment out there for you.