Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation for Trigeminal Neuralgia Management: A Randomized, Double-Blinded,...

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Pain Management
• Neurology

Background:

• Trigeminal neuralgia is a severe facial pain condition.
• Refractory cases often require neuroablative procedures.
• Conservative treatments may be ineffective or cause intolerable side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and safety of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation versus a sham procedure for classical trigeminal neuralgia.
• To evaluate pain relief and patient-reported outcomes in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial.

Main Methods:

• Thirty patients with refractory classical trigeminal neuralgia were randomized into radiofrequency ablation or sham groups.
• The radiofrequency group received a 75°C lesion, while the sham group underwent the procedure without thermal ablation.
• Pain was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and patient well-being with the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey.

Main Results:

• After one month, the radiofrequency group showed a significant NRS score reduction from 9.2 to 0.7, versus 8.9 to 5.8 in the sham group.
• Pain reduction was significant from day one and sustained throughout the first month post-procedure.
• Radiofrequency ablation demonstrated statistically and clinically significant greater pain relief compared to the sham procedure.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous trigeminal radiofrequency ablation is an effective treatment for refractory trigeminal neuralgia.
• The procedure provides significant and sustained pain relief compared to sham intervention.
• Radiofrequency nerve ablation is a recommended option for patients with treatment-resistant trigeminal neuralgia.