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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2005 >> Jannetta method
        
(Message started by: Dutchman on Oct 13^th, 2005, 9:51am)

Title: Jannetta method
Post by Dutchman on Oct 13^th, 2005, 9:51am

Hey,

I'm new here and wonderd if anyone here heard about the Jannetta method. It's a surgical internvention that is about microvascular decompression. Has anyone heard of this?

I only can support sites in dutch. I did a google on it, but sites relates are pay to acces.

My dentist pointed me into this direction. I still have to go and see my neurospecialist. However i heard from other countrymen that this method isn't used in the Netherlands for CH. I hope to change that perhaps if i can get my hand on data about US research.

Can anyone help me?!

Thank you!

Title: Re: Jannetta method
Post by Gator on Oct 13^th, 2005, 2:54pm

Here are a few links about microvascular decompression in treating cluster headache:

http://www.clusterheadaches.com/about.html#Invasive%20Procedures

http://www.mhni.com/clusterheadaches.html

Quote:

Microvascular decompression

Microvascular decompression is a very invasive technique involving craniectomy. The goal of the procedure is to try to restore normal anatomy by removing a vascular loop compressing a nerve. The role of microvascular decompression in cluster is not as well defined as in trigeminal neuralgia. Microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve with or without microvascular decompression or section of the nervus intermedius was recently reported to be effective in chronic cluster headache. However, long-term follow-up saw the success rate decrease to 46.6%. Repeat procedures were not beneficial.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11398301&dopt=Abstract

http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_surgical_treatments_cluster_headaches_000099_10.htm

Quote:

Microvascular Decompression of the Trigeminal Nerve

Microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve may be an option. With this procedure, the surgeon frees the trigeminal nerve from any blood vessels that are pressing against it. (The trigeminal nerve is the major nerve responsible for facial sensation.) In one study, over 73% of patients reported at least 50% relief. Half of these patients reported 90% relief but the level of benefit fell to less than 50% over time. Repeat procedures are rarely successful. The procedure is risky, and possible complications include nerve and blood vessel injury and spinal fluid leakage. It does not have the common nerve damage effects in the face that PRFR does, however.

All in all, I wouldn't have it done to me. Risk/cost versus efficacy just doesn't bear out in my mind. Just my take.

Title: Re: Jannetta method
Post by seasonalboomer on Oct 13^th, 2005, 3:59pm

"Microvascular decompression is a very invasive technique involving craniectomy"

Yeah, I don't want my "crani" - "ectomized"

But you gotta hand it to folks taking the risks in trying these procedures out on the edge. Just hope they know what they are facing when they go into it and that they are of sound mind when they sign up to be the guinea pigs.

Title: Re: Jannetta method
Post by Dutchman on Oct 14^th, 2005, 1:49am

thanks!

I will read it later, but what i have heard is that the opperation isn't a very dificult one. It's on the surface of your brain and the risk lies on the nerves that lie besides it.
Most risk is that you have a loss of hearing but that will mostly be temprary.

The thing is, with all these meds you will kill yourself slowly and more harshly. Perhaps it is better to do it in one push.