scholarly journals Internal Neurolysis (Nerve Combing) for Trigeminal Neuralgia without Neurovascular Compression

Author(s):  
Marco Gonzales-Portillo ◽  
Luis Adrián Huamán

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study was to describe and evaluate the initial and the long-term clinical outcome of internal neurolysis (IN) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) without neurovascular compression (NVC). Methods A total of 170 patients diagnosed with TN were treated by posterior fossa exploration, during the period between April 2012 and October 2019. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A (50 patients) was treated by IN and Group B (120 patients) received microvascular decompression (MVD). Surgical outcomes and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Pain intensity was assessed by the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity score and BNI facial numbness score. Pain recurrence was statistically evaluated with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results Pain was completely relieved in 44 patients (88%) who underwent IN (group A); 3 (6%) experienced occasional pain but did not require medication (BNI 2). In group B, 113 (94%) experienced immediate pain relief after MVD. The median duration of follow-ups was 4 years (6 months to 7.5 years). In Group A, there was a meantime recurrence of 27 months in 3 patients (6%). The recurrence in Group B was of 5.8% during the follow-up period. There were no statistically significant differences in the surgical outcomes between the two groups. All patients with IN experienced some degree of numbness, 88% of the cases resolved in 6 months, on average. Conclusion Internal neurolysis is an effective, safe and durable treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia when NVC is absent.

Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Carpenter ◽  
James K Liu

Abstract INTRODUCTION Microvascular decompression (MVD) is an effective and durable treatment for patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) due to neurovascular compression (NVC). In the absence of NVC, the traditional MVD is less effective in achieving long-term pain relief. Internal neurolysis at the root entry zone (REZ) of the trigeminal nerve has been described in the literature; however, there are few reports of long-term outcome after this procedure. Furthermore, this is the first study to combine this procedure with additional partial neurectomy. METHODS This is a retrospective review of the senior author's patients with TN who underwent retrosigmoid craniectomy for MVD with internal neurolysis and partial neurectomy. Primary indications were patients with TN and no evidence of NVC intraoperatively. A total of 9 patients were included in the analysis. Three cases were of recurrent TN. The technique was performed with an 11-blade or arachnoid knife to open the perineurium in a longitudinal fashion at the REZ. A disc dissector was used to comb the fascicles along the longitudinal course, and a partial neurectomy was performed with a microscissors to make three selective cuts into the fascicles at the REZ. Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) facial pain and numbness scales were used as postoperative assessment. RESULTS At median follow up of 12 mo (range: 2 to 34), 8 of 9 patients (89%) had a BNI-pain score of I (no trigeminal pain, no medications). Two of nine patients (22%) had a BNI-numbness score of I (no numbness); seven (78%) had a BNI-numbness score of II (mild facial numbness that is not bothersome). CONCLUSION Internal neurolysis with partial neurectomy appears to be an effective and potentially durable treatment option for patients with TN (primary or recurrent) without NVC. Larger series with longer follow-up is indicated to further evaluate the utility of this procedure.


2015 ◽  
Vol 122 (5) ◽  
pp. 1048-1057 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew L. Ko ◽  
Alp Ozpinar ◽  
Albert Lee ◽  
Ahmed M. Raslan ◽  
Shirley McCartney ◽  
...  

OBJECT Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) occurs and recurs in the absence of neurovascular compression (NVC). While microvascular decompression (MVD) is the most effective treatment for TN, it is not possible when NVC is not present. Therefore, the authors sought to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and durability of internal neurolysis (IN), or “nerve combing,” as a treatment for TN without NVC. METHODS This was a retrospective review of all cases of Type 1 TN involving all patients 18 years of age or older who underwent evaluation (and surgery when appropriate) at Oregon Health & Science University between July 2006 and February 2013. Chart reviews and telephone interviews were conducted to assess patient outcomes. Pain intensity was evaluated with the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) Pain Intensity scale, and the Brief Pain Inventory–Facial (BPI-Facial) was used to assess general and face-specific activity. Pain-free survival and durability of successful pain relief (BNI pain scores of 1 or 2) were statistically evaluated with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Prognostic factors were identified and analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS A total of 177 patients with Type 1 TN were identified. A subgroup of 27 was found to have no NVC on high-resolution MRI/MR angiography or at surgery. These patients were significantly younger than patients with classic Type 1 TN. Long-term follow-up was available for 26 of 27 patients, and 23 responded to the telephone survey. The median follow-up duration was 43.4 months. Immediate postoperative results were comparable to MVD, with 85% of patients pain free and 96% of patients with successful pain relief. At 1 year and 5 years, the rate of pain-free survival was 58% and 47%, respectively. Successful pain relief at those intervals was maintained in 77% and 72% of patients. Almost all patients experienced some degree of numbness or hypesthesia (96%), but in patients with successful pain relief, this numbness did not significantly impact their quality of life. There was 1 patient with a CSF leak and 1 patient with anesthesia dolorosa. Previous treatment for TN was identified as a poor prognostic factor for successful outcome. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of IN with meaningful outcomes data. This study demonstrated that IN is a safe, effective, and durable treatment for TN in the absence of NVC. Pain-free outcomes with IN appeared to be more durable than radiofrequency gangliolysis, and IN appears to be more effective than stereotactic radiosurgery, 2 alternatives to posterior fossa exploration in cases of TN without NVC. Given the younger age distribution of patients in this group, consideration should be given to performing IN as an initial treatment. Accrual of further outcomes data is warranted.


2021 ◽  
pp. 219256822098753
Author(s):  
Gang-Un Kim ◽  
Myun-Whan Ahn ◽  
Gun Woo Lee

Study Design: Retrospective comparative study. Objectives: Although some studies have discussed the use of lateral mass screws (LMSs) in patients with cerebral palsy (CP), it is unclear whether posterior LMS fixation alone is a suitable method. We aimed to compare the clinical, radiological, and surgical outcomes of 2 surgical modalities, namely, combined anterior-posterior (A-P) instrumented fusion and posterior fusion alone, in athetoid-type CP patients with cervical myelopathy (CM). Methods: We analyzed 63 patients with athetoid-CP and CM who underwent posterior fusion only with LMS (group A, 35 patients) and A-P fusion (group B, 28 patients). The primary outcome was the 1- and 3-year fusion rates for the surgical segments. The secondary outcomes included the clinical outcomes based on pain intensity determined using the visual analog scale score, neck disability index, and 17-point Japanese Orthopedic Association score, radiological, and surgical outcomes. Results: Fusion was achieved at 3 years postoperatively in 22 of 35 patients (63%) in group A and in 26 of 28 patients (93%) in group B ( P = 0.02). The posterior neck pain intensity was also significantly lower in group B than in group A 2 and 3 years postoperatively ( P = 0.02 and 0.01, respectively). The incidence of screw loosening and implant-related problems was higher in group A (60%) than in group B (21%) ( P = 0.01). The other clinical and radiological parameters were similar between the groups. Conclusions: For athetoid CP-induced CM, combined A-P fusion would result in superior clinical and radiological outcomes compared to posterior fusion alone.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-41
Author(s):  
Muhammad Usman Khan ◽  
Ghazala Noor Nizami ◽  
Ali Farhad

OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of mobilization and self-exercises in the management of adhesive capsulitis of shoulder STUDY DESIGN Randomized Control Trial SAMPLE SELECTION 30 patients of adhesive capsulitis of shoulder from physiotherapy department of tertiary care hospitals of Karachi were selected through simple random sampling technique. PROCEDURE Treatment was continued for 5 days per week for the period of 3 weeks followed by assessment. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group A was treated with midrange mobilization while group B performed self-exercises. Both groups received TENS and hot pack prior to the exercises. Mean ± SD, frequencies and percentages were used for descriptive analysis. ROM via goniometry and pain intensity through VAS was analyzed by paired t-test within the groups and by independent t-test between the groups, using SPSS. P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS 60% were females (n=18) and 40% were males (n=12) with mean age of 50.17±6.37 years. Significant improvement (p-value <0.05) in pain and shoulder ROM was observed among patients of Group A as compared to Group B. Pain intensity was decreased to 1.67 ± 0.62 in group A, whereas ROMs in these patients were also better than other group.


2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 832-838 ◽  
Author(s):  
John K. Chan ◽  
Alexander E. Sherman ◽  
Daniel S. Kapp ◽  
Ruxi Zhang ◽  
Kathryn E. Osann ◽  
...  

Purpose Despite a lack of evidence for survival benefit, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology has recommendations for referral to gynecologic oncologists for the treatment of endometrial cancer. Therefore, we propose to determine the influence of gynecologic oncologists on the treatment and survival of patients with endometrial cancer. Patients and Methods Data were obtained from Medicare and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) databases from 1988 to 2005. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard methods were used for analyses. Results Of 18,338 women, 21.4% received care from gynecologic oncologists (group A) while 78.6% were treated by others (group B). Women in group A were older (age > 71 years: 49.6% v 44%; P < .001), had more lymph nodes (> 16) removed (22% v 17%; P < .001), presented with more advanced (stages III to IV) cancers (21.9% v 14.6%; P < .001), had higher-grade tumors (P < .001), and were more likely to receive chemotherapy for advanced disease (22.6% v 12.4%; P < .001). In those with stages II to IV disease, the 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) of group A was 79% versus 73% in group B (P = .001). Moreover, in advanced-stage (III to IV) disease, group A had 5-year DSS of 72% versus 64% in group B (P < .001). However, no association with DSS was identified in stage I cancers. On multivariable analysis, younger age, early stage, lower grade, and treatment by gynecologic oncologists were independent prognostic factors for improved survival. Conclusion Patients with endometrial cancer treated by gynecologic oncologists were more likely to undergo staging surgery and receive adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced disease. Care provided by gynecologic oncologists improved the survival of those with high-risk cancers.


Author(s):  
Ming-Wu Li ◽  
Xiao-feng Jiang ◽  
Chaoshi Niu

Abstract Background and Objective Trigeminal neuralgia is a common neurologic disease that seriously impacts a patient's quality of life. We retrospectively investigated the efficacy and safety of internal neurolysis (nerve combing) for trigeminal neuralgia without vascular compression. Patients and Methods This study was a retrospective review of all patients with trigeminal neuralgia who were admitted between January 2014 and February 2019. A subgroup of 36 patients had no vascular compression at surgery and underwent internal neurolysis. Chart review and postoperative follow-up were performed to assess the overall outcomes of internal neurolysis. Results Thirty-six patients were identified, with a mean age of 44.89 ± 7.90 (rang: 31–65) years and a disease duration of 5.19 ± 2.61 years. The immediate postoperative pain relief (Barrow Neurological Institute [BNI] pain score of I or II) rate was 100%. The medium- to long-term pain relief rate was 91.7%. Three patients experienced recurrence. Facial numbness was the primary postoperative complication. Four patients with a score of III on the BNI numbness scale immediately after surgery had marked improvement at 6 months. No serious complications occurred. Conclusion Internal neurolysis is a safe and effective treatment for trigeminal neuralgia without vascular compression or clear responsible vessels.


2016 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 391-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingalill Feldmann ◽  
Farhan Bazargani

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate and compare perceived pain intensity, discomfort, and jaw function impairment during the first week with tooth-borne or tooth-bone–borne rapid maxillary expansion (RME) appliances. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four patients (28 girls and 26 boys) with a mean age of 9.8 years (SD 1.28 years) were randomized into two groups. Group A received a conventional hyrax appliance and group B a hybrid hyrax appliance anchored on mini-implants in the anterior palate. Questionnaires were used to assess pain intensity, discomfort, analgesic consumption, and jaw function impairment on the first and fourth days after RME appliance insertion. Results: Fifty patients answered both questionnaires. Overall median pain on the first day in treatment was 13.0 (range 0–82) and 3.5 (0–78) for groups A and B, respectively, with no significant differences in pain, discomfort, analgesic consumption, or functional jaw impairment between groups. Overall median pain on the fourth day was 9.0 (0–90) and 2.0 (0–71) for groups A and B, respectively, with no significant differences between groups. There were also no significant differences in pain levels within group A, while group B scored significantly lower concerning pain from molars and incisors and tensions from the jaw on day 4 than on the first day in treatment. There was a significant positive correlation between age and pain and discomfort on the fourth day in treatment. No correlations were found between sex and pain and discomfort, analgesic consumption, and jaw function impairment. Conclusions: Both tooth-borne and tooth-bone–borne RME were generally well tolerated by the patients during the first week of treatment.


Author(s):  
Priti A. Mehendale ◽  
Mayur T. Revadkar

Background: There is evidence regarding beneficial use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on post Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) incision pain. However, efficacy of different types of TENS following C section pain has not yet been explored adequately.Methods: 96 women who had recently undergone LSCS were included for the study. The subjects were in the age group of 20 to 40 years (25.84±3.96); having pain intensity 4 or more on Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). They were divided into three groups by random allocation method; namely Group A: Acupuncture (Low/Motor) TENS, Group B: Conventional (High/Sensory) TENS and Group C: Control group. Group A and B received specific type of TENS twice a day for 15 minutes. Control group C did not receive any TENS intervention. All subjects received standard post-operative medications and physiotherapy. Pain intensity was recorded on NPRS pre and post intervention.Results: Both Acupuncture TENS and Conventional TENS significantly decreased post-operative pain intensity as compared to control group (p value <0.0001).Conclusions: Both, acupuncture and conventional TENS are equally effective in reducing post LSCS incision pain at a strong and non-painful intensity.


Author(s):  
Jay Kumar Soni ◽  
Edrish Contractor

Aims: Non specific Low back pain is defined as pain without any known pathology which affects almost all the leading occupation where body's awkward posture, twisting and stress forces are commonly encountered across the globe and it is highly prevalent 60% to 70% in a year. Studies have shown various exercise regimen individual effect on the same but superiority of regimen out of these is not clear. Study Design: Comparative Study Place and Duration of Study: Ahmedabad Institute of Medical Sciences, Duration 2013-15 Objective: To assess and compare the effect of core stability exercise, back school program and Swiss ball exercise on Pain, core endurance and Functional disability. Methodology: A group of 24 patients having non-specific low back pain between age groups 18-40 were randomly selected and allocated in to two groups. Group A(n=12) received traditional exercise whereas Swiss ball exercise was given to Group B(n=12). The subjects were treated for two weeks. Baseline data for VAS, Core endurance and MODI were taken on day1 and at the end of two weeks Result: The results were analyzed by wilcoxon signed rank test within both groups. Both groups showed significant improvement in VAS, core endurance and MODI at the end of 2weeks.Comparison between both the Group A and Group B was done by Mann- whitney U test and statistically no significant difference was seen in VAS, core endurance and MODI between the groups Conclusion: The study concluded that both the exercises are equally effective in reducing pain intensity, improves core endurance and functional status in subjects with non specific low back pain


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