Experience with Conventional Radiofrequency Thermorhizotomy in Patients with Failed Medical Management for Trigeminal Neuralgia.
10.3344/kjp.2014.27.3.260
- Author:
Sarita SINGH
1
;
Reetu VERMA
;
Manoj KUMAR
;
Virendra RASTOGI
;
Jaishree BOGRA
Author Information
1. Department of Anesthesia, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India. saritacsmmu@rediffmail.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
radiofrequency;
treatment;
trigeminal ganglion;
trigeminal neuralgia
- MeSH:
Follow-Up Studies;
Humans;
Hypesthesia;
Incidence;
Mastication;
Reflex;
Research Personnel;
Trigeminal Ganglion;
Trigeminal Neuralgia*
- From:The Korean Journal of Pain
2014;27(3):260-265
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: To evaluate the results of conventional radiofrequency thermorhizotomy (CRT) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) in patients with failed medical management. METHODS: Patients with Trigeminal neuralgia who were referred to us for 'limited intervention' during the time frame July-2011 to Jan-2013 were enrolled for this study. CRT was administered by the Sweet technique. Pain relief was evaluated by the principle investigator. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were enrolled and completed a mean follow-up of 18.0 months. Pain relief was observed in 14 of 18 (77.8%) patients on the post-operative day, 14 of 18 (77.8%) at 1-month follow-up, 14 of 17 (82.4%) at 3-months follow-up, 12 of 15 (80%) at 6-months follow-up, 7 of 11 (63.6%) at 1-year follow-up and 2 of 6 (33.3%) 1.5 years of follow-up. Four patients required a repeat cycle of CRT; two at six months of follow-up and two at one year of follow-up. One patient was transferred for surgical intervention at six months of follow-up. Side-effects included facial hypoesthesia (n = 6); nausea/vomiting (n = 2), diminished corneal reflex (n = 13) and difficulty in chewing (n = 11). Severity of adverse effects gradually diminished and none of the patients who are beyond 6 months of follow-up have any functional limitation. CONCLUSIONS: CRT is an effective method of pain relief for patients with Trigeminal neuralgia. Successful outcome (excellent or good) can be expected in 66.7% of patients after first cycle of CRF. The incidence and severity of adverse effects is less and the procedure is better tolerated by the patients.
