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Gamma-knife radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia
V Kannan1, C E Deopujari, B K Misra
1PD Hinduja National Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, India. dr_vkannan@hindujahospital.com
Australasian Radiology
|July 21, 2000
Summary
Gamma knife radiosurgery effectively treated trigeminal neuralgia in six patients. Four achieved complete pain relief with no reported side effects, indicating radiosurgery
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Trigeminal neuralgia is a debilitating neuropathic pain condition.
- Medically or surgically refractory cases present significant treatment challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for medically refractory trigeminal neuralgia.
Main Methods:
- Six patients with refractory trigeminal neuralgia received Gamma Knife radiosurgery.
- Treatment involved stereotactic frame fixation, MRI, and Leksell GammaPlan.
- A dose of 70-80 Gy was delivered to the trigeminal root entry zone.
Main Results:
- Complete pain relief was achieved in four out of six patients.
- Two patients experienced partial pain relief.
- No radiosurgery-related morbidity was observed during 5-16 months of follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Gamma Knife radiosurgery is an effective and safe treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia refractory to conventional therapies.
- This minimally invasive approach offers significant pain relief without significant adverse events.