Effect of 5% Lidocaine Medicated Plaster on Pain Intensity and Paroxysms in Classical Trigeminal Neuralgia

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (11) ◽  
pp. 1521-1524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Tamburin ◽  
Vittorio Schweiger ◽  
Francesca Magrinelli ◽  
Maria Paola Brugnoli ◽  
Giampietro Zanette ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
C Fibers ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies ◽  
Reduction Of Pain ◽  
Peripheral Afferents ◽  
Systemic Side Effects ◽  
Third Line

Objective: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a neuropathic pain condition affecting one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve. It is characterized by unilateral, sudden, shock-like, and brief painful attacks, which follow the distribution of trigeminal nerve branches, and with no other accompanying sensorimotor or autonomic signs and symptoms. Current guidelines stipulate which therapies represent first-, second-, and third-line treatments for TN, but there is a consistent mismatch between the therapeutic guidelines and the patient’s preferences and expectations. Case Summary: We report on 2 patients with classical TN in whom conventional drugs for TN were not tolerated. In these patients, treatment with 5% lidocaine medicated plaster (LMP) resulted in reduction of pain intensity and the number of pain paroxysms. Discussion: LMP is known to block the sodium channels on peripheral nerves and may cause a selective and partial block of Aδ and C fibers. According to the TN ignition hypothesis, blockage of peripheral afferents by LMP may reduce pain paroxysms. The effect of LMP may outlast the pharmacokinetics of the drug by reducing pain amplification mechanisms in the central nervous system. LMP has limited or no systemic side effects. Conclusions: LMP may be an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for TN in those patients who do not tolerate or who refuse other therapies. Future randomized controlled studies should better address this issue.

Temporal disconnection between pain relief and trigeminal nerve microstructural changes after Gamma Knife radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia

2020 ◽  
Vol 133 (3) ◽  
pp. 727-735
Author(s):  
Peter Shih-Ping Hung ◽  
Sarasa Tohyama ◽  
Jia Y. Zhang ◽  
Mojgan Hodaie
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Microstructural Effect

OBJECTIVEGamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is a noninvasive surgical treatment option for patients with medically refractive classic trigeminal neuralgia (TN). The long-term microstructural consequences of radiosurgery and their association with pain relief remain unclear. To better understand this topic, the authors used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to characterize the effects of GKRS on trigeminal nerve microstructure over multiple posttreatment time points.METHODSNinety-two sets of 3-T anatomical and diffusion-weighted MR images from 55 patients with TN treated by GKRS were divided within 6-, 12-, and 24-month posttreatment time points into responder and nonresponder subgroups (≥ 75% and < 75% reduction in posttreatment pain intensity, respectively). Within each subgroup, posttreatment pain intensity was then assessed against pretreatment levels and followed by DTI metric analyses, contrasting treated and contralateral control nerves to identify specific biomarkers of successful pain relief.RESULTSGKRS resulted in successful pain relief that was accompanied by asynchronous reductions in fractional anisotropy (FA), which maximized 24 months after treatment. While GKRS responders demonstrated significantly reduced FA within the radiosurgery target 12 and 24 months posttreatment (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively), nonresponders had statistically indistinguishable DTI metrics between nerve types at each time point.CONCLUSIONSUltimately, this study serves as the first step toward an improved understanding of the long-term microstructural effect of radiosurgery on TN. Given that FA reductions remained specific to responders and were absent in nonresponders up to 24 months posttreatment, FA changes have the potential of serving as temporally consistent biomarkers of optimal pain relief following radiosurgical treatment for classic TN.

Transient Magnetic Resonance Imaging Signal Alterations in the Brainstem after Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia: Case Report

Neurosurgery ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. E1023-E1026 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Jafer Ali ◽  
Stephen Gebarski ◽  
B Gregory Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Microvascular Decompression ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Transient Signal ◽  
Recurrent Pain ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Abstract OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: We present a case of transient signal alterations along the brainstem path of the trigeminal nerve after microvascular decompression in a patient with trigeminal neuralgia. Such signal changes have been previously reported to represent infarction, but in our patient, they seemed to represent reactive neural and nuclear changes attributable to operative manipulation. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 43-year-old woman presented with gradually increasing, medically refractory recurrent trigeminal neuralgia 16 months after initial successful microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia. Repeat microvascular decompression resulted initially in complete pain relief; however, her pain suddenly returned on the 3rd postoperative day. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of this recurrent pain revealed new signal alterations along the brainstem path of the trigeminal nerve. Other than marked reduction in her trigeminal neuralgia, the patient had no postoperative alterations of trigeminal sensory or motor function. INTERVENTION: The patient's residual postoperative trigeminal neuralgia was successfully treated with carbamazepine. Because of the absence of worrisome signs and symptoms corresponding to the MRI signal alterations, no additional therapy was elected. Follow-up MRI in 1 month revealed near-complete resolution of the postoperative signal alterations along the brainstem path of the trigeminal nerve. CONCLUSION: MRI signal alterations along the brainstem path of the trigeminal nerve after microvascular decompression may be only reactive and do not always represent infarction. Depending on the clinical picture, observation may be all that is necessary in such cases.

Long-term outcome of high-dose Gamma Knife surgery in treatment of trigeminal neuralgia

2013 ◽  
Vol 119 (5) ◽  
pp. 1166-1175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byron Young ◽  
Armin Shivazad ◽  
Richard J. Kryscio ◽  
William St. Clair ◽  
Heather M. Bush
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery

Object Despite the widespread use of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN), controversy remains regarding the optimal treatment dose and target site. Among the published studies, only a few have focused on long-term outcomes (beyond 2 years) using 90 Gy, which is in the higher range of treatment doses used (70–90 Gy). Methods The authors followed up on 315 consecutive patients treated with the Leksell Gamma Knife unit using a 4-mm isocenter without blocks. The isocenter was placed on the trigeminal nerve with the 20% isodose line tangential to the pontine surface (18 Gy). At follow-up, 33 patients were deceased; 282 were mailed an extensive questionnaire regarding their outcomes, but 32 could not be reached. The authors report their analysis of the remaining 250 cases. The patients' mean age at the time of survey response and the mean duration of follow-up were 70.8 ± 13.1 years and 68.9 ± 41.8 months, respectively. Results One hundred eighty-five patients (85.6%) had decreased pain intensity after GKS. Modified Marseille Scale (MMS) pain classifications after GKS at follow-up were: Class I (pain free without medication[s]) in 104 (43.7%), Class II (pain free with medication[s]) in 66 (27.7%), Class III (> 90% decrease in pain intensity) in 23 (9.7%), Class IV (50%–90% decrease in pain intensity) in 20 (8.4%), Class V (< 50% decrease in pain intensity) in 11 (4.6%), and Class VI (pain becoming worse) in 14 (5.9%). Therefore, 170 patients (71.4%) were pain free (Classes I and II) and 213 (89.5%) had at least 50% pain relief. All patients had pain that was refractory to medical management prior to GKS, but only 111 (44.4%) were being treated with medication at follow-up (p < 0.0001). Eighty patients (32.9%) developed numbness after GKS, and 74.5% of patients with numbness had complete pain relief. Quality of life and patient satisfaction on a 10-point scale were reported at mean values (± SD) of 7.8 ± 3.1 and 7.7 ± 3.4, respectively. Most of the patients (87.7%) would recommend GKS to another patient. Patients with prior surgical treatments had increased latency to pain relief and were more likely to continue medicines (p < 0.05). Moreover, presence of altered facial sensations prior to radiosurgery was associated with higher pain intensity, longer pain episodes, more frequent pain attacks, worse MMS pain classification, and more medication use after GKS (p < 0.05). Conversely, increase in numbness intensity after GKS was associated with a decrease in pain intensity and pain length (p < 0.05). Conclusions Gamma Knife surgery using a maximum dose of 90 Gy to the trigeminal nerve provides satisfactory long-term pain control, reduces the use of medication, and improves quality of life. Physicians must be aware that higher doses may be associated with an increase in bothersome sensory complications. The benefits and risks of higher dose selection must be carefully discussed with patients, since facial numbness, even if bothersome, may be an acceptable trade-off for patients with severe pain.

MRI features of responsible contacts in vascular compressive trigeminal neuralgia and prediction modeling

2021 ◽  
pp. 028418512098397
Author(s):  
Yufei Zhao ◽  
Jianhua Chen ◽  
Rifeng Jiang ◽  
Xue Xu ◽  
Lin Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Predictive Model ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Roc Curve ◽  
Neurovascular Compression ◽  
Diagnostic Efficiency ◽  
Mri Features ◽  
Vascular Origin ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Mri Characteristics

Background Multiple neurovascular contacts in patients with vascular compressive trigeminal neuralgia often challenge the diagnosis of responsible contacts. Purpose To analyze the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of responsible contacts and establish a predictive model to accurately pinpoint the responsible contacts. Material and Methods Sixty-seven patients with unilateral trigeminal neuralgia were enrolled. A total of 153 definite contacts (45 responsible, 108 non-responsible) were analyzed for their MRI characteristics, including neurovascular compression (NVC) grading, distance from pons to contact (Dpons-contact), vascular origin of compressing vessels, diameter of vessel (Dvessel) and trigeminal nerve (Dtrigeminal nerve) at contact. The MRI characteristics of the responsible and non-responsible contacts were compared, and their diagnostic efficiencies were further evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The significant MRI features were incorporated into the logistics regression analysis to build a predictive model for responsible contacts. Results Compared with non-responsible contacts, NVC grading and arterial compression ratio (84.44%) were significantly higher, Dpons-contact was significantly lower at responsible contacts ( P < 0.001, 0.002, and 0.033, respectively). NVC grading had a highest diagnostic area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.742, with a sensitivity of 64.44% and specificity of 75.00%. The logistic regression model showed a higher diagnostic efficiency, with an AUC of 0.808, sensitivity of 88.89%, and specificity of 62.04%. Conclusion Contact degree and position are important MRI features in identifying the responsible contacts of the trigeminal neuralgia. The logistic predictive model based on Dpons-contact, NVC grading, and vascular origin can qualitatively improve the prediction of responsible contacts for radiologists.

TRIGEMINAL NERVE RADIOSURGICAL TREATMENT IN INTRACTABLE CHRONIC CLUSTER HEADACHE

Neurosurgery ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. 1252-1257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Donnet ◽  
Manabu Tamura ◽  
Dominique Valade ◽  
Jean Régis
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Cluster Headache ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Chronic Cluster Headache ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Complete Relief ◽  
Term Evaluation ◽  
The One

Abstract OBJECTIVE We have previously reported short-term results of a prospective open trial designed to evaluate trigeminal nerve radiosurgical treatment in intractable chronic cluster headache (CCH). Medium- and long-term results have not yet been reported. METHODS Ten patients presenting with a severe and drug-resistant CCH were enrolled (nine men, one woman). The radiosurgical treatment was performed according to the technique usually used for trigeminal neuralgia in our department. A single 4-mm shot was positioned at the level of the cisternal portion of the trigeminal nerve. The median distance between the center of the shot and the emergence of the nerve was 9.35 mm (range, 7.5–13.3 mm). The median of this maximum dose to the brainstem was 8.0 Gy (range, 4.0–11.1 Gy). Mean age was 49.8 years (range, 32–77 yr). Mean duration of the CCH was 9 years (range, 2–33 yr). The mean follow-up period was 36.3 months (range, 24–48 mo). RESULTS Two patients had complete relief of CCH. One patient had a good result with evolution in an episodic form. Seven patients had no improvement. Nine patients developed a new trigeminal nerve disturbance: three developed paresthesia with no hypoesthesia and six developed hypoesthesia, including two patients with deafferentation pain. Only one patient had neither paresthesia nor hypoesthesia. CONCLUSION We confirmed, with medium- and long-term evaluation, the high rate of toxicity and failure of the technique. The high toxicity, despite a methodology identical to the one used in trigeminal neuralgia, leads us to suspect an underlying specificity of the nerve in CCH. We do not recommend radiosurgery for treatment of intractable CCH.

scholarly journals Neuralgias of the Trigeminal Nerve

2000 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan S Gordon
Keyword(s):  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Postherpetic Neuralgia ◽  
Facial Pain ◽  
The Other ◽  
Atypical Facial Pain ◽  
Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain

Practitioners are often presented with patients who complain bitterly of facial pain. The trigeminal nerve is involved in four conditions that are sometimes mixed up. The four conditions - trigeminal neuralgia, trigeminal neuropathic pain, postherpetic neuralgia and atypical facial pain - are discussed under the headings of clinical features, differential diagnosis, cause and treatment. This article should help practitioners to differentiate one from the other and to manage their care.

Targeting the cranial nerve: microradiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia with CISS and 3D-Flash MR imaging sequences

2005 ◽  
Vol 102 ◽  
pp. 107-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasilios A. Zerris ◽  
Georg C. Noren ◽  
William A. Shucart ◽  
Jeff Rogg ◽  
Gerhard M. Friehs
Keyword(s):  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Cranial Nerve ◽  
Fusion Imaging ◽  
Vascular Compression ◽  
Content Type ◽  
History Of ◽  
Fine Print

Object.The authors undertook a study to identify magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques that can be used reliably during gamma knife surgery (GKS) to identify the trigeminal nerve, surrounding vasculature, and areas of compression.Methods.Preoperative visualization of the trigeminal nerve and surrounding vasculature as well as targeting the area of vascular compression may increase the effectiveness of GKS for trigeminal neuralgia. During the past years our gamma knife centers have researched different MR imaging sequences with regard to their ability to visualize cranial nerves and vascular structures. Constructive interference in steady-state (CISS) fusion imaging with three-dimensional gradient echo sequences (3D-Flash) was found to be of greatest value in the authors' 25 most recent patients.In 24 (96%) out of the 25 patients, the fifth cranial nerve, surrounding vessels, and areas of compression could be reliably identified using CISS/3D-Flash. The MR images were acceptable despite patients' history of microvascular decompression, radiofrequency (RF) ablation, or concomitant disease. In one of 25 patients with a history of multiple RF lesions, the visualization was inadequate due to severe trigeminal nerve atrophy.Conclusions.The CISS/3D-Flash fusion imaging has become the preferred imaging method at the authors' institutions during GKS for trigeminal neuralgia. It affords the best visualization of the trigeminal nerve, surrounding vasculature, and the precise location of vascular compression.

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