Radiofrequency thermocoagulation in cases of atypical trigeminal neuralgia: a retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is the most common cause of neuropathic facial pain. Atypical TN are usually refractory to conventional medical treatments and the standard microvascular decompression surgeries that lead to marked negative impact on the patient's quality of life. Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency (RF) ablation in cases with atypical TN that did not respond to standard medical treatments. Methods: Our study included 19 consecutive patients with refractory atypical TN for more than 6 months. Neurological examination and MRI brain did not reveal any significant correlated signs. RF thermocoagulation was performed under fluoroscopy guidance. Collected data included preoperative conditions, pre-and post-procedure visual analog scale (VAS) score, and complications. Patients were followed up for a period of 1-year duration to evaluate the long-term efficiency of the procedure. Results: A total of 19 patients were recruited into the study (56.32 ± 13.48 years, 21% males, 79% females). Females outnumbered males (15 female patients, 79%) versus (4 male patients, 21%). There was more than 50% improvement in VAS score (16 patients, 79% versus 3 patients, 21%) (p < 0.05). Age was the only statistically significant factor were more elderly patients showed better improvement regarding VAS score (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Radiofrequency thermocoagulation is an effective and relatively safe procedure for alleviating atypical facial pain.

Treatment Options for Trigeminal Neuralgia

“…Kanpolat et al described their 25-year experience treating 1.600 patients with 2.138 radiofrequency ablation procedures. ( 30 ) Acute pain relief was achieved in 97.6% of the patients. Early pain recurrence within six months was observed in 7.7% of the patients, and late pain recurrence was observed in an additional 17.4%.…”

“…Rarely, CSF leak, carotid-cavernous fistula, meningitis, and anaesthesia dolorosa/trigeminal deafferentation pain may be encountered. ( 30 - 32 )…”

Trigeminal Neuralgia: Current Approaches and Emerging Interventions

“…Rarely, CSF leak, carotid-cavernous fistula, meningitis, and anesthesia dolorosa/trigeminal deafferentation pain may be encountered. 120,[166][167][168][169][170][171][172][173][174][175][176][177][178][179][180]…”

Radiofrequency Ablation for Trigeminal Neuralgia Patient: A Case Report

“…Ideally, to diagnose trigeminal neuralgia, investigations are needed to determine the etiology and rule out other possible causes. 8 Radiofrequency ablation was carried out for the second time at Universitas Hasanuddin Hospital in February 2020. The first radiofrequency ablation was carried out at the same place in January 2017.…”