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Updated: Jul 29, 2026
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Subcutaneous Trigeminal Nerve Field Stimulation for Refractory Facial Pain
Published on: May 10, 2017
Trigeminal nerve section for chronic migrainous neuralgia
P J Kirkpatrick1, M D O'Brien, J J MacCabe
1Department of Neurosurgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
British Journal of Neurosurgery
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Trigeminal nerve root section effectively treated chronic migrainous neuralgia in 85.7% of patients. This surgical option offers significant pain relief and improved quality of life for those with refractory symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Pain Management
- Neurology
Background:
- Chronic unremitting migrainous neuralgia is a debilitating condition.
- Symptoms persist for over 18 months, refractory to medical treatments.
- This condition significantly disrupts patients' lifestyles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of trigeminal nerve root section for chronic migrainous neuralgia.
- To assess pain relief and long-term outcomes after surgery.
- To determine the safety and effectiveness of this surgical intervention.
Main Methods:
- A series of 14 patients with chronic migrainous neuralgia underwent partial or complete trigeminal nerve root section.
- Surgical approaches included complete division or partial division (50-90%) of the superomedial sensory root.
- Patients were followed up to assess pain relief, recurrence, and complications.
Main Results:
- 85.7% of patients (12 out of 14) experienced adequate pain relief and improved quality of life.
- Complete trigeminal nerve root section provided complete pain relief in 2 patients.
- Partial section resulted in complete to incomplete relief in 5 patients, with 7 requiring further surgery or experiencing recurrence. Post-second surgery, 5 patients achieved pain freedom or near-complete relief.
- Corneal abrasion occurred in 28.5% of cases, with one progressing to chronic keratitis.
Conclusions:
- Total trigeminal nerve root section is an effective treatment for chronic migrainous neuralgia.
- Surgery can be safely offered as a primary treatment option for selected patients.
- The procedure leads to significant pain reduction and restoration of normal life activities.
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