Intracranial hemorrhage after percutaneous radiofrequency trigeminal rhizotomy

Radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) of trigeminal ganglion is a commonly performed percutaneous procedure for the management of trigeminal neuralgia. However, it is not free from potentially life-threatening complications. A case of intracranial hemorrhage following RFT, which was managed conservatively, is reported. The authors suggest that coagulation parameters be normalized and intra-procedural blood pressure controlled while performing this technique. As RFT is carried out as an ambulatory procedure, absence of any intracranial complication must be ascertained clinically before the patient is discharged.