A 65-year-old patient from Solo, Surakarta, came to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri after experiencing severe facial pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia. The pain occurred on the right side of the face, described as an electric shock sensation, reaching an intensity level of 8 out of 10. The attacks appeared suddenly, lasted for a few seconds to minutes, then subsided, only to recur unpredictably.
The pain was so intense that even simple activities like brushing teeth, chewing food, or feeling a light breeze from a fan became unbearable. The condition had persisted for more than 10 years, with flare-ups lasting days, weeks, or even a full month.
Before coming to Jakarta, the patient had sought treatment in several cities, including Solo and Yogyakarta. However, many doctors said that trigeminal neuralgia was difficult to treat, and some even suggested undergoing surgery abroad. Medications and radiofrequency procedures had been attempted, but the pain continued to return.
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Dr. Joy’s Explanation of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Neurosurgeon Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS—widely known as Dr. Joy—explained that trigeminal neuralgia occurs when the trigeminal nerve (the fifth cranial nerve) becomes irritated due to a blood vessel pressing against it. The patient’s MRI clearly showed a vessel compressing the right trigeminal nerve, triggering severe facial pain.
According to Dr. Joy, trigeminal neuralgia has a very distinct pain pattern: sudden, intense, short-lived attacks that can repeatedly occur. When medications no longer provide relief, Microvascular Decompression (MVD) becomes the most effective treatment option.
MVD Surgery Performed by Dr. Joy
Microvascular Decompression (MVD) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve pressure from blood vessels on the trigeminal nerve. During the surgery, the doctor makes a small incision behind the ear and creates an opening approximately 2–2.5 cm to access the affected nerve.
Once the compressed trigeminal nerve is located, the attached blood vessel is separated, and a small teflon pad is placed between them to prevent further contact. This eliminates nerve irritation and stops trigeminal neuralgia symptoms.
Surgery Results: Pain Completely Gone and Quality of Life Restored
After undergoing MVD surgery, the patient experienced dramatic improvement. The debilitating facial pain disappeared completely. During follow-up visits, Dr. Joy confirmed smooth healing progress, with no additional medications or vitamins needed.
The patient also expressed appreciation for the excellent postoperative communication. He could easily reach Dr. Joy via WhatsApp for any concerns and only needed to come for in-person visits when necessary. After three months of recovery—also covered by insurance—his condition remained stable, allowing him to resume daily activities without pain.
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers advanced neurosurgery services supported by modern technology and highly experienced specialists like Dr. Joy, who routinely handles trigeminal neuralgia and MVD procedures. With personalized care, comprehensive facilities, and thorough postoperative support, patients receive safe, comfortable, and effective treatment.
If you or someone you know is experiencing recurrent severe facial pain, seek medical evaluation immediately. Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is ready to help you regain a better quality of life.
Dr. Joy’s Profile and Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Dr. Joy is recognized as one of Indonesia’s leading neurosurgeons, with achievements acknowledged nationally and internationally. One of his notable accomplishments is earning a MURI record as the “Fastest Doctor to Complete a Medical PhD Program.” He completed his doctoral studies at the University of Helsinki, Finland, in just 18 months and 12 days.
With extensive experience treating thousands of cases, Dr. Joy is highly skilled in various advanced neurosurgical techniques, including Awake Brain Surgery, Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal (EETH) tumor removal through the nose, and DSA procedures.
Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS is available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri during the following schedule:
- Monday: by appointment
- Tuesday: 14.00 – 17.00 WIB
- Wednesday: by appointment
- Thursday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB
- Friday: 14.00 – 17.00 WIB
- Saturday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB
To make your visit easier, use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter app—available on Google Play and the App Store—to manage bookings, view queue numbers, and access complete information.
