Under general anesthesia, a needle is inserted through the cheek to the point where the third branch of the trigeminal nerve exits the face. A balloon is inflated next to the nerve for a few minutes, applying pressure to that section of the nerve. While the inflated balloon does not cause permanent damage to the nerve, it creates myelin loss in the pain-causing fibers of the nerve, relieving the pain. Although the risk of recurrence is not as low as with microvascular decompression surgery, it is a highly effective treatment method with few complications. Its repeatability allows for its application should the condition recur.