Microvascular decompression is a surgical procedure used to relieve the intense, chronic facial pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia. This condition occurs when a blood vessel compresses the trigeminal nerve, leading to sharp, stabbing pain on one side of the face. During the surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision behind the ear and carefully repositions or removes the blood vessel that is pressing on the nerve. A small cushion may be placed between the nerve and the vessel to prevent future compression. This procedure is highly effective in reducing or eliminating the pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia.