Insights
Neurosurgery & Trigeminal Neuralgia Insights
Explore expert articles and patient-friendly guides on trigeminal neuralgia, skull base tumors, and neurosurgery in New York City. Stay informed with trusted insights from Dr. Ramesh Babu.
Trigeminal Neuralgia: Get a Professional Second Opinion
If you’ve been told you have trigeminal neuralgia or you’re considering a procedure, a second opinion can help you feel confident you’re on the right path. Dr. Babu, a New York City neurosurgeon, offers nationwide second-opinion reviews so patients anywhere in the U.S. can securely submit records and imaging, share their questions, and receive a clear written summary of the diagnosis and treatment options.
Best MRI for Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN): What to Ask For and Why It Matters
If you suspect trigeminal neuralgia, the right MRI can make all the difference. A standard brain scan may miss the trigeminal nerve details doctors need to spot neurovascular compression or rule out other causes. In this guide, we break down the best MRI approach for TN, what sequences to ask for (like high-resolution 3D T2 CISS/FIESTA and 3D TOF MRA), how to read your report, and the exact wording to request the proper protocol so you can get clear answers faster.
Tributes to Jeff Bodington and Dr. Ramesh Babu, MD: Honoring Years of Service to the Facial Pain Association
The Facial Pain Association recently honored Jeff Bodington and Dr. Ramesh Babu, MD as they step down from the FPA Board of Directors after more than a decade of service each. In this post, we share the FPA’s tribute, explain the organization’s mission, and highlight why Dr. Babu’s clinical expertise in trigeminal neuralgia and complex facial pain makes his continued work on the FPA Medical Advisory Board so valuable for patients nationwide.
Facial Pain: What’s Causing It? A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the Right Diagnosis
Facial pain can come from many causes, including nerve disorders, dental problems, sinus infections, or headaches. This step-by-step guide explains how facial pain is diagnosed, what symptoms matter most, and when to see a specialist for trigeminal neuralgia or other nerve-related facial pain.
Top 7 Trigeminal Neuralgia Experts in NYC (2026)
Looking for a trigeminal neuralgia specialist in New York City? This guide compares seven NYC neurosurgeons known for treating facial pain, explains what sets each apart, and helps patients understand which expertise and treatment options may be the right fit for their condition.
Atypical Facial Pain (Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain): Types, Causes & Treatment
Atypical facial pain, or persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP), causes ongoing facial discomfort without the classic features of trigeminal neuralgia. This guide explains key differences, diagnosis, and treatment options.
What Can Be Mistaken for Trigeminal Neuralgia? Symptoms, Look-Alikes, and What to Do
Trigeminal neuralgia causes sudden, electric shock–like facial pain triggered by light touch, chewing, or speaking. This guide reviews key symptoms, recommended MRI evaluation, and common conditions that can mimic trigeminal neuralgia to support accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Living with Facial Pain: How to Recognize Trigeminal Neuralgia vs. Other Conditions
Living with facial pain can be overwhelming, especially when it’s hard to tell whether it’s trigeminal neuralgia or another condition. In this guide, Dr. Ramesh Babu, a trusted NYC neurosurgeon, explains how to recognize the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, how it differs from other causes of facial pain, and what treatment options are available.
Trigeminal Neuralgia Explained: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and the Latest Treatment Options
Learn how trigeminal neuralgia is diagnosed and treated—from medications to MVD, radiosurgery, and rhizotomy—with expert care in New York City.
Microvascular Decompression vs. Gamma Knife
Compare microvascular decompression and Gamma Knife for TN—candidates, results, recovery, and risks—so you can choose the right option with confidence.
Skull Base Tumors: Early Symptoms, Types, and How They Are Treated
Learn early symptoms of skull base tumors and how they’re diagnosed and treated—from EEA to radiosurgery and proton therapy—with expert NYC care.
“Long-term outcome after operation for trigeminal neuralgia in patients with posterior fossa tumors”
Fred G. Barker II, M.D., Peter J. Jannetta, M.D., Ramesh P. Babu, M.D., Spiros Pomonis, M.D., David J. Bissonette, P.A.-C., and Hae Dong Jho, M.D., Ph.D.
During a 20-year period, 26 patients with typical symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia were found to have posterior fossa tumors at operation. These cases included 14 meningiomas, eight acoustic neurinomas, two epidermoid tumors, one angiolipoma, and one ependymoma. The median patient age was 60 years and 69% of the patients were women. Sixty-five percent of the symptoms were left sided. The median preoperative duration of symptoms was 5 years. The distribution of pain among the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve was similar to that found in patients with trigeminal neuralgia who did not have tumors; however, more divisions tended to be involved in the tumor patients. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 9 years.
At operation, the root entry zone of the trigeminal nerve was examined for vascular cross-compression in 21 patients. Vessels compressing the nerve at the root entry zone were observed in all patients examined. Postoperative pain relief was frequent and long lasting. Using Kaplan—Meier methods the authors estimated excellent relief in 81% of the patients 10 years postoperatively, with partial relief in an additional 4%.