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Percutaneous Radiofrequency Rhizotomy in Treatment of Trigeminal neuralgia: A Prospective Study

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Abstract

Introduction

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) often called as “Tic douloureux” is a syndrome characterized by paroxysmal facial pain, is one of the most painful and debilitating craniofacial pain disorders. The controversy regarding the etiology and treatment of TN still exists.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomy (PRR) for TN, after failure of pharmacological management.

Method

A nonrandomized, non comparative, descriptive, in vivo study of 15 patients with TN of maxillary and mandibular divisions of trigeminal nerve and patients with pain refractory to pharmacological management were done. It was performed as an O.P.D procedure. A routine follow up was done in all cases for 1 year.

Results

In a total of 15 patients, 8 female and 7 male patients were enrolled for the study. Early pain relief (immediately, postoperatively to 6 month) classified as excellent or good (successful), occurred in 12 of 15 patients (80 %). Fair or poor pain relief (unsuccessful) occurred in three patients (20 %).There was no mortalities and no major morbidity.

Summary

It was found that surgical treatment with PRR is a safe and effective way to manage patients with TN in whom pharmacologic therapy is either ineffective or not tolerated, with low side effects which are well tolerated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, V. S. Dental College & Hospital, K R Road, VV Puram, Bangalore, 560004, India

    Madan Nanjappa, S. V. Kumaraswamy, R. Keerthi, D. P. Ashwin, A. L. Gopinath, M. A. Reyazulla & K. B. Hemavathi

Authors
  1. Madan Nanjappa
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  2. S. V. Kumaraswamy
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  3. R. Keerthi
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  4. D. P. Ashwin
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  5. A. L. Gopinath
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  6. M. A. Reyazulla
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  7. K. B. Hemavathi
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Madan Nanjappa.

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Nanjappa, M., Kumaraswamy, S.V., Keerthi, R. et al. Percutaneous Radiofrequency Rhizotomy in Treatment of Trigeminal neuralgia: A Prospective Study. J. Maxillofac. Oral Surg. 12, 35–41 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-012-0365-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-012-0365-7

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