Stephen A. Johnson, MD
Facial Pain Center Director · Neurosurgeon
Specializes in diagnosing and treating trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm and other complex cranial nerve disorders using surgical and nonsurgical approaches.
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Center of Excellence Complex Cranial Nerve Care · New Jersey
ABS Facial Pain & Spasm
Specialized expertise. A clearer path forward.
Specialized care for trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm and other complex facial pain disorders, with advanced diagnosis and a full range of treatment options.
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EXPERIENCE THAT MATTERS
When facial pain takes over your life, experience matters.
At ABS Facial Pain & Spasm, our specialists bring deep experience to trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm and other complex facial pain and cranial nerve disorders. The goal isn't simply to treat the symptoms—it's to understand what's causing them and determine the right path to lasting relief.
Why ABS
Facial pain and spasm can have different causes, and treatments that work for one patient may not be right for another. A careful diagnosis—based on your symptoms, imaging, prior treatments and overall health—is essential to choosing the right approach.
Experience matters when choosing among treatments that work in very different ways. Our specialists offer the full spectrum of options, including highly specialized microvascular decompression.
- More microvascular decompression procedures for trigeminal neuralgia than any other program in New Jersey
- More than 90% long-term relief following MVD for trigeminal neuralgia
- Expertise in complex, recurrent and previously treated cases
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A CLEARER PATH FORWARD
Finding the right diagnosis is the first step toward lasting relief.
Facial pain and involuntary facial movements can be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms may overlap, imaging findings may be subtle and treatments that help one condition may not be appropriate for another.
Our specialists look at the complete picture—including how your symptoms began, what they feel like, what triggers them, prior treatments and detailed imaging—to determine what is causing them and what options make sense for you.
Your path to answers
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Symptoms
We listen closely to when your symptoms began, where they occur, what triggers them and how they affect your daily life.
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Case Review
Our team reviews your medical history, previous diagnoses, medications, procedures and treatment responses.
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Multidisciplinary Evaluation
When appropriate, we collaborate with specialists across neurology, neuroradiology, pain management and other disciplines.
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Diagnostic Clarity
We determine whether your symptoms are consistent with trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm or another facial pain or cranial nerve disorder.
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Treatment Pathway
You receive a personalized recommendation that may include medication, an interventional treatment, focused radiation or surgery—based on your diagnosis, health and goals.
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Similar symptoms can have very different causes.
CONDITIONS WE TREAT
Facial pain and involuntary facial movements can be difficult to distinguish. Stephen A. Johnson, MD, brings specialized experience to diagnosing these complex disorders and determining which treatment approach is most appropriate.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Sudden, electric-shock-like facial pain that may be triggered by everyday activities such as eating, speaking, brushing your teeth or even a light touch.
Learn more →Hemifacial Spasm
Involuntary twitching or contractions affecting one side of the face, which may become more frequent or pronounced over time.
Learn more →Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
Severe, stabbing pain involving the throat, tongue or ear that may be triggered by swallowing, speaking or coughing.
Learn more →Geniculate Neuralgia
Severe, stabbing pain deep within the ear that may occur in sudden episodes and can sometimes be triggered by touch, swallowing or changes in temperature.
Learn more →04
TREATMENT BUILT AROUND YOU
The goal isn’t simply to offer more options. It’s to choose the right one.
Treatment depends on the condition, what is causing it, prior treatments, overall health and what matters most to the patient. Stephen A. Johnson, MD, offers a full spectrum of surgical and nonsurgical options and helps each patient understand the potential benefits and tradeoffs.
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Microvascular Decompression
MVD addresses pressure on a cranial nerve by carefully repositioning the blood vessel responsible for the compression. It may provide lasting relief without intentionally damaging the nerve.
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Stereotactic Radiosurgery
A nonsurgical treatment that uses precisely focused radiation to disrupt pain signals while minimizing exposure to surrounding tissue.
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Percutaneous Procedures
Targeted procedures—including balloon compression, radiofrequency treatment and glycerol injection—can interrupt pain signals without open surgery.
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Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Small electrodes placed near the affected nerve may help modify pain signals in certain persistent or previously treated cases.
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PROGRAM LEADERSHIP
Specialized experience from diagnosis through treatment.
Stephen A. Johnson, MD, combines high-volume surgical experience with national leadership focused on improving diagnostic accuracy. He performs microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, glossopharyngeal neuralgia and geniculate neuralgia.
Stephen A. Johnson, MD, is Director of the Facial Pain & Spasm Center at Atlantic Brain and Spine.
- Performs more microvascular decompression procedures for trigeminal neuralgia than any other program in New Jersey
- More than 90% of patients experience long-term relief following MVD for trigeminal neuralgia
- Founder of the Facial Pain & Spasm Review Program, a national initiative helping specialists improve diagnostic accuracy in complex cases
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YOUR FACIAL PAIN & SPASM TEAM
Specialized expertise for complex cranial nerve disorders.
Specialized expertise for complex cranial nerve disorders. Our neurosurgeons bring advanced experience in diagnosing and treating facial pain and spasm disorders, with options ranging from focused radiation and percutaneous procedures to highly specialized microvascular decompression.
Yaron A. Moshel, MD, PhD
Neurosurgeon
Treats facial pain and cranial nerve compression disorders using techniques including microvascular decompression, endoscopic-assisted surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery.
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Fabio A. Frisoli, MD
Neurosurgeon
Offers surgical and percutaneous treatment options for facial pain and spasm, including advanced cranial nerve and skull base approaches.
View profile →07
STORIES & EXPERT PERSPECTIVES
Life beyond facial pain and spasm.
Explore patient experiences and expert guidance that show what an accurate diagnosis—and the right treatment—can make possible.
What Recovery Can Look Like
Relief can begin before recovery is complete.
Many patients notice meaningful relief soon after microvascular decompression because the procedure addresses the blood vessel pressing on the affected nerve. Patients typically remain in the hospital for one or two nights for observation before continuing their recovery at home.
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LEARN MORE
Conditions, answers and next steps.
Explore the facial pain and spasm disorders we treat and find answers to common questions about diagnosis, microvascular decompression and recovery.
How do I know which facial pain or spasm disorder I have?
The location, sensation, triggers and timing of symptoms can provide important clues, but several cranial nerve disorders can appear similar. Diagnosis typically includes a detailed symptom history, neurological evaluation and review of high-resolution imaging.
When should I see a neurosurgeon for facial pain or spasms?
Consider a neurosurgical evaluation if the diagnosis remains unclear, medication is no longer effective, side effects are difficult to tolerate or symptoms significantly interfere with eating, speaking, sleeping or daily life.
Does everyone with trigeminal neuralgia or hemifacial spasm need surgery?
No. Treatment depends on the diagnosis, symptoms, imaging, overall health and response to previous care. Options may include medication, focused radiation, percutaneous procedures, nerve stimulation or surgery.
What is microvascular decompression?
Microvascular decompression, or MVD, is a surgical procedure that moves a blood vessel away from the affected cranial nerve. A small cushion is placed between them to prevent continued contact and irritation.
Does MVD intentionally damage the nerve?
No. MVD is designed to relieve pressure while preserving the nerve. This distinguishes it from procedures that reduce symptoms by intentionally disrupting pain signals traveling through the nerve.
How long do patients remain in the hospital after MVD?
Patients typically remain in the hospital for one or two nights for observation. The exact length of stay depends on the procedure, the condition being treated and the individual patient’s recovery.
How quickly can symptoms improve after MVD?
Many patients notice improvement soon after surgery, although the timing and degree of relief vary. Your surgeon can explain what is reasonable to expect based on your diagnosis and individual case.
Can I request a second opinion after previous treatment or surgery?
Yes. A second opinion may be especially valuable if symptoms continue or return, previous treatment did not provide the expected relief or questions remain about the diagnosis and available options.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Wherever you are, we can help
Whether you’re searching for a diagnosis, weighing treatment options or still experiencing symptoms after prior care, our facial pain and spasm specialists can help you understand what comes next.
I was just diagnosed
Understand your diagnosis and meet with a specialist to discuss your next steps.
I need a second opinion
Have your diagnosis, imaging and treatment recommendations reviewed by our facial pain specialists.
I’ve been told I need surgery
Learn which surgical approach may offer the safest and most effective treatment.
I want to understand my diagnosis
Learn about your condition and what it may mean for your treatment options.
I’ve been sent to the hospital
You can still choose your neurosurgical team. Ask for Atlantic Brain & Spine.
Ready when you are
Put your facial pain and spasm care in experienced hands
From an uncertain diagnosis to persistent or recurrent symptoms, our specialists can help you understand your options and determine the right next step.
Call the Facial Pain & Spasm Center 973.993.7100
This page is for general education and does not replace medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made with a qualified spine surgeon based on your individual diagnosis and imaging.
Medically reviewed by Yaron A. Moshel, MD, PhD, Neurosurgeon · Last reviewed: September 9, 2026
