Related Experiment Videos
Gamma knife radiosurgery using 90 Gy for trigeminal neuralgia
B Nicol1, W F Regine, C Courtney
1Department of Radiation Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, 40506, USA. bnico0@pop.uky.edu
Journal of Neurosurgery
|January 6, 2001
Summary
This study found that a 90 Gy dose of gamma knife radiosurgery is safe and effective for treating trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Most patients experienced complete pain relief with minimal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve.
- Gamma knife radiosurgery is a minimally invasive treatment option for TN.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a higher than normal dose (90 Gy) of gamma knife radiosurgery for treating typical trigeminal neuralgia (TN).
Main Methods:
- Forty-two patients with typical TN received gamma knife radiosurgery with a single 90 Gy dose.
- The target was the trigeminal nerve's root entry zone.
- Median follow-up was 14 months.
Main Results:
- Complete pain relief was achieved in 73.8% of patients.
- Good pain control was reported by 21.4% of patients.
- Adverse events included facial paresthesia (16.7%) and dysgeusia (9.5%).
Conclusions:
- A 90 Gy dose of gamma knife radiosurgery is a safe and effective treatment for trigeminal neuralgia.
- This higher dose demonstrates significant efficacy in pain management for TN patients.