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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
09:35
Subcutaneous Trigeminal Nerve Field Stimulation for Refractory Facial Pain
Published on: May 10, 2017
Bilateral trigeminal neuralgia associated with limited systemic sclerosis
Atta Mohyuddin1, Donald Myers, Eric Guazzo
1Birmingham Heartland Hospital, 35 Bordesley Green East, Bordesley Green, Birmingham B9 5SS, UK. atai_1999@yahoo.com
Summary
Microvascular decompression successfully treated a young patient with limited systemic sclerosis and medically resistant bilateral trigeminal neuralgia. This case represents the first reported instance of this treatment for this specific patient profile.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Trigeminal neuralgia is a debilitating neuropathic pain condition.
- Systemic sclerosis is a chronic connective tissue disease with potential neurological complications.
- Medically resistant trigeminal neuralgia poses significant treatment challenges.
Observation:
- A young patient presented with bilateral trigeminal neuralgia resistant to medical management.
- The patient also had a diagnosis of limited systemic sclerosis.
- Surgical intervention was considered due to treatment refractory symptoms.
Findings:
- Microvascular decompression was performed on the patient.
- The procedure resulted in successful resolution of trigeminal neuralgia symptoms.
- This marks the first documented case of microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia in a patient with systemic sclerosis.
Implications:
- Microvascular decompression may be a viable treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia in patients with systemic sclerosis.
- This case highlights the importance of considering surgical interventions for refractory neuropathic pain.
- Further research is warranted to explore the efficacy and safety of this approach in similar patient populations.
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