Trigeminal Neuralgia and Hemifacial Spasm Comprehensive Center

About Our Center

We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Trigeminal Neuralgia and Hemifacial Spasm Comprehensive Center at Showa Medical University.

The mission of our Center is to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care by leveraging the multidisciplinary strengths of a comprehensive medical university. Our goal is to deliver the highest quality diagnosis, treatment, and long-term support for patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm.

Since my appointment to the Department of Neurosurgery at Showa Medical University, we have developed one of Japan’s leading surgical programs for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. Our approach is centered on a minimally invasive “keyhole” microvascular decompression technique performed in the supine position without the use of brain retractors. We remain committed to continuously refining our surgical techniques and further improving patient outcomes.

To reduce the waiting time between diagnosis and surgery, we have also established a team-based surgical system consisting of multiple surgeons who have been trained in and mastered my surgical techniques. This enables us to provide consistently high-quality surgical care while improving patient access to treatment.
Through many years of clinical experience, I have come to appreciate the significant challenges faced by patients with trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. Many struggle for extended periods before receiving an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

While typical cases can often be cured through surgery, we have also encountered numerous complex cases in which determining the optimal treatment strategy requires careful evaluation and multidisciplinary expertise.

Through the establishment of this Center, we aim to provide seamless, one-stop diagnosis and treatment by fostering close collaboration among multiple specialties, including:

• Neurosurgery
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (oral care)
• Neurology
• Otolaryngology (ENT)
• Ophthalmology
• Anesthesiology (pain management and botulinum toxin therapy)
• Radiology

By integrating the expertise of these departments, we strive to provide comprehensive care tailored to the needs of each patient. While surgical treatment remains a central component of our practice, our multidisciplinary approach allows us to address a wide range of clinical situations and offer individualized treatment plans.

If you or your loved ones are suffering from trigeminal neuralgia or hemifacial spasm, we warmly welcome you to consult with our Center.

Katsuyoshi Shimizu, MD, PhD
Director, Trigeminal Neuralgia and Hemifacial Spasm Comprehensive Center
Professor and Chair, Department of Neurosurgery
Showa Medical University

Medical Liaison Office: +81-3-3784-8400　　e-mail: neurosurg@cnt.showa-u.ac.jp

Clinical Experience and Treatment Volume

Surgical Experience

Please refer to the Department of Neurosurgery’s “Trigeminal Neuralgia and Hemifacial Spasm” website for detailed information on our surgical outcomes and case volume.

• Department of Neurosurgery: Trigeminal Neuralgia and Hemifacial Spasm Website
   https://www.showa-u.ac.jp/SUH/department/list/neurosug/case05.html

Non-Surgical Treatment Experience

At our Center, we also provide nerve block therapy for trigeminal neuralgia and botulinum toxin (Botox) therapy for hemifacial spasm.

Since 2018, we have performed a total of 1,888 nerve block procedures for trigeminal neuralgia. Among these, 811 procedures involved either pulsed radiofrequency treatment or radiofrequency thermocoagulation.

For patients with hemifacial spasm, we have accumulated experience with 1,589 botulinum toxin (Botox) treatment sessions.

These extensive clinical experiences reflect our commitment to providing comprehensive and individualized care for patients with trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm.