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Motor Cortex Stimulation for Facial Pain

Zoe E Teton1, Ahmed M Raslan2

  • 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.

Progress in Neurological Surgery
|September 29, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Motor cortex stimulation (MCS) offers a potential treatment for neuropathic facial pain, with some studies showing high efficacy. However, variable responses and diminishing relief over time necessitate further long-term investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Pain Management
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Motor cortex stimulation (MCS) has been utilized for intractable neuropathic facial pain for approximately 30 years.
  • While some studies report high efficacy rates (up to 88%), significant variability in patient response persists.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the efficacy and long-term outcomes of motor cortex stimulation for neuropathic facial pain.
  • To highlight the variability in treatment response and potential diminishing relief over time.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on motor cortex stimulation for neuropathic facial pain.
  • Analysis of reported efficacy rates, long-term outcomes, and complications.

Main Results:

  • Efficacy rates vary considerably, with some studies reporting up to 88% effectiveness.
  • Diminishing relief over time is a noted concern, with limited long-term efficacy data available.
  • Complications are generally mild, including infection, hardware issues, seizures, and transient neurological deficits.

Conclusions:

  • Motor cortex stimulation remains a viable option for carefully selected patients with refractory neuropathic facial pain.
  • Further long-term studies are needed to fully understand efficacy trends and optimize patient selection.

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