Trigeminal branch stimulation for intractable neuropathic pain: technical note

Intractable neuropathic facial pain resulting from injury to the peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve presents a significant challenge for neurologists, pain specialists, and neurosurgeons. In this paper, we describe our technique of peripheral nerve stimulation of the infraorbital and supraorbital nerves to treat patients with medically intractable facial pain. Stimulation of the infraorbital and supraorbital nerves is performed using percutaneously inserted electrodes that are positioned in the epifascial plane, traversing the course of the infraorbital or supraorbital nerves. The temporary electrodes are inserted under fluoroscopic guidance and are anchored to the skin. A trial lasting a few days is followed, if successful, by insertion of a permanent electrode that is tunneled under the skin behind the ear toward the infraclavicular pocket, which houses the implantable pulse generator. Our technique of electrode insertion to stimulate the infraorbital or supraorbital nerves has been successfully used in several patients with neuropathic trigeminal pain of various etiologies. In patients who underwent permanent electrode implantation, stimulation resulted in long lasting pain relief; complications were rare and minor. We conclude that trigeminal branch stimulation is a simple technique that can be used in selected patients with neuropathic pain in the distribution of the infraorbital or supraorbital nerves. This procedure may provide relief of medically intractable pain, without the need for destructive procedures or more central modulation approaches.