Trigeminal neuralgia treated by radiofrequency coagulation

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Pain Management
• Neurology

Background:

• Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a debilitating neuropathic facial pain condition.
• Percutaneous radiofrequency coagulation (RC) of the Gasserian ganglion is a treatment option for TN.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency coagulation (RC) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN).
• To identify factors predicting clinical outcomes following RC treatment for TN.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 96 patients undergoing percutaneous radiofrequency coagulation (RC) of the Gasserian ganglion.
• Follow-up assessment for recurrence-free status over 5 years.
• Correlation of clinical outcomes with demographic data, TN presentation, and induced sensory deficits.

Main Results:

• Fifty-two percent of patients remained recurrence-free at 5 years after a single RC procedure.
• Classical TN presentation and induced dense sensory loss were associated with better outcomes.
• Age, sex, illness duration, prior medication response, and prior open surgery did not predict outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous radiofrequency coagulation (RC) offers sustained pain relief for a significant proportion of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) patients.
• Induced sensory deficits following RC may serve as a marker for treatment success and reduced recurrence risk.