Long-term outcomes of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for classic trigeminal neuralgia: implications of treatment and critical review of the literature

2009 ◽  
Vol 111 (2) ◽  
pp. 351-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anil A. Dhople ◽  
Jared R. Adams ◽  
William W. Maggio ◽  
Shahid A. Naqvi ◽  
William F. Regine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Response Duration ◽  
Invasive Treatment ◽  
Median Response ◽  
Late Failure

Object Few long-term studies of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) exist. The authors report their long-term experience with the use of GKS in a previously reported cohort of patients with TN that has now been followed since 1996. Methods One hundred twelve patients with TN were treated with GKS at the University of Maryland between June 1996 and July 2001. Of these, 67% had no invasive operations for TN prior to GKS, 13% had 1, 4% had 2, and 16% had ≥ 3. The right side was affected in 56% of cases, predominantly involving V2 (26%), V3 (24%), or a combination of both (18%) branches. The median age at diagnosis was 56 years, and median age at GKS was 64 years. The median prescription dose of 75 Gy (range 70–80 Gy) was delivered to the involved trigeminal nerve root entry zone. The authors assessed the degree of pain before and after GKS by using the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain scale. Results In total, 102 patients took the survey at least once, for a response rate of 91%. Although not found to alter the conclusions of this study, 7 cases of atypical TN were found and these patients were removed, for a total of 95 cases herein analyzed. The median follow-up was 5.6 years (range 13–115 months). Before GKS, 88% of patients categorized their pain as BNI IV or V (inadequate control or severe pain on medication), whereas the remainder described their pain as BNI III (some pain, but controlled on medication). After GKS, 64% reported a BNI score of I (no pain, no medications), 5% had BNI II (no pain, still on medication), 12% had BNI III, and 19% reported a BNI score of IV or V. The median time to response was 2 weeks (range 0–12 weeks) and the median response duration was 32 months (range 0–112 months). Eighty-one percent reported initial pain relief, and actuarial rates of freedom from treatment failure at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years were 60, 41, 34, and 22%, respectively. Response duration was significantly better for those who had no prior invasive treatment versus those in whom a previous surgical intervention had failed (32 vs 21 months, p < 0.02). New bothersome facial numbness was reported in 6% of cases. Conclusions This study represents one of the longest reported median follow-up periods and actuarial results for a cohort of patients with classic TN treated with GKS. Although GKS achieves excellent rates of initial pain relief, these results suggest a steady rate of late failure, particularly among patients who had undergone prior invasive surgical treatment. Despite a higher than expected recurrence rate, GKS remains a viable treatment option, particularly for patients who have had no prior invasive procedures. Patients with recurrences can still be offered salvage therapy with either repeat GKS, microvascular decompression, or rhizotomy.

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.

Outcome Predictors After Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Recurrent Trigeminal Neuralgia

Neurosurgery ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (6) ◽  
pp. 1637-1645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideyuki Kano ◽  
Douglas Kondziolka ◽  
Huai-Che Yang ◽  
Oscar Zorro ◽  
Javier Lobato-Polo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Pain Control ◽  
Surgical Procedure ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Failed Surgery ◽  
Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Abstract BACKGROUND: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) that recurs after surgery can be difficult to manage. OBJECTIVE: To define management outcomes in patients who underwent gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery (GKSR) after failing 1 or more previous surgical procedures. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed outcomes after GKSR in 193 patients with TN after failed surgery. The median patient age was 70 years (range, 26-93 years). Seventy-five patients had a single operation (microvascular decompression, n = 40; glycerol rhizotomy, n = 24; radiofrequency rhizotomy, n = 11). One hundred eighteen patients underwent multiple operations before GKSR. Patients were evaluated up to 14 years after GKSR. RESULTS: After GKSR, 85% of patients achieved pain relief or improvement (Barrow Neurological Institute grade I-IIIb). Pain recurrence was observed in 73 of 168 patients 6 to 144 months after GKSR (median, 6 years). Factors associated with better long-term pain relief included no relief from the surgical procedure preceding GKSR, pain in a single branch, typical TN, and a single previous failed surgical procedure. Eighteen patients (9.3%) developed new or increased trigeminal sensory dysfunction, and 1 developed deafferentation pain. Patients who developed sensory loss after GKSR had better long-term pain control (Barrow Neurological Institute grade I-IIIb: 86% at 5 years). CONCLUSION: GKSR proved to be safe and moderately effective in the management of TN that recurs after surgery. Development of sensory loss may predict better long-term pain control. The best candidates for GKSR were patients with recurrence after a single failed previous operation and those with typical TN in a single trigeminal nerve distribution.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia: the impact of magnetic resonance imaging–detected vascular impingement of the affected nerve

2010 ◽  
Vol 113 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason P. Sheehan ◽  
Dibyendu Kumar Ray ◽  
Stephen Monteith ◽  
Chun Po Yen ◽  
James Lesnick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Vascular Compression ◽  
Pain Intensity Score ◽  
The Impact

Object Trigeminal neuralgia is believed to be related to vascular compression of the affected nerve. Radiosurgery has been shown to be reasonably effective for treatment of medically refractory trigeminal neuralgia. This study explores the rate of occurrence of MR imaging–demonstrated vascular impingement of the affected nerve and the extent to which vascular impingement affects pain relief in a population of trigeminal neuralgia patients undergoing Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS). Methods The authors performed a retrospective analysis of 106 cases involving patients treated for typical trigeminal neuralgia using GKRS. Patients with or without single-vessel impingement on CISS MR imaging sequences and with no previous surgery were included in the study. Pain relief was assessed according to the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity score at the last follow-up. Degree of impingement, nerve diameter preand post-impingement, isocenter placement, and dose to the point of maximum impingement were evaluated in relation to the improvement of BNI score. Results The overall median follow-up period was 31 months. Overall, a BNI pain score of 1 was achieved in 59.4% of patients at last follow-up. Vessel impingement was seen in 63 patients (59%). There was no significant difference in pain relief between those with and without vascular impingement following GKRS (p > 0.05). In those with vascular impingement on MR imaging, the median fraction of vessel impingement was 0.3 (range 0.04–0.59). The median dose to the site of maximum impingement was 42 Gy (range 2.9–79 Gy). Increased dose (p = 0.019) and closer proximity of the isocenter to the site of maximum vessel impingement (p = 0.012) correlated in a statistically significant fashion with improved BNI scores in those demonstrating vascular impingement on the GKRS planning MR imaging Conclusions Vascular impingement of the affected nerve was seen in the majority of patients with trigeminal neuralgia. Overall pain relief following GKRS was comparable in those with and without evidence of vascular compression on MR imaging. In subgroup analysis of those with MR imaging evidence of vessel impingement of the affected trigeminal nerve, pain relief correlated with a higher dose to the point of contact between the impinging vessel and the trigeminal nerve. Such a finding may point to vascular changes affording at least some degree of relief following GKRS for trigeminal neuralgia.

scholarly journals Early postsurgical diffusivity metrics for prognostication of long-term pain relief after Gamma Knife radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia

2019 ◽  
Vol 131 (2) ◽  
pp. 539-548 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarasa Tohyama ◽  
Peter Shih-Ping Hung ◽  
Jidan Zhong ◽  
Mojgan Hodaie
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Fractional Anisotropy ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Mean Diffusivity ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Radial Diffusivity

OBJECTIVEGamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is an important treatment modality for trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Current longitudinal assessment after GKRS relies primarily on clinical diagnostic measures, which are highly limited in the prediction of long-term clinical benefit. An objective, noninvasive, predictive tool would be of great utility to advance the clinical management of patients. Using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), the authors’ aim was to determine whether early (6 months post-GKRS) target diffusivity metrics can be used to prognosticate long-term pain relief in patients with TN.METHODSThirty-seven patients with TN treated with GKRS underwent 3T MRI scans at 6 months posttreatment. Diffusivity metrics of fractional anisotropy, axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and mean diffusivity were extracted bilaterally from the radiosurgical target of the affected trigeminal nerve and its contralateral, unaffected nerve. Early (6 months post-GKRS) diffusivity metrics were compared with long-term clinical outcome. Patients were identified as long-term responders if they achieved at least 75% reduction in preoperative pain for 12 months or longer following GKRS.RESULTSTrigeminal nerve diffusivity at 6 months post-GKRS was predictive of long-term clinical effectiveness, where long-term responders (n = 19) showed significantly lower fractional anisotropy at the radiosurgical target of their affected nerve compared to their contralateral, unaffected nerve and to nonresponders. Radial diffusivity and mean diffusivity, correlates of myelin alterations and inflammation, were also significantly higher in the affected nerve of long-term responders compared to their unaffected nerve. Nonresponders (n = 18) did not exhibit any characteristic diffusivity changes after GKRS.CONCLUSIONSThe authors demonstrate that early postsurgical target diffusivity metrics have a translational, clinical value and permit prediction of long-term pain relief in patients with TN treated with GKRS. Importantly, an association was found between the footprint of radiation and clinical effectiveness, where a sufficient level of microstructural change at the radiosurgical target is necessary for long-lasting pain relief. DTI can provide prognostic information that supplements clinical measures, and thus may better guide the postoperative assessment and clinical decision-making for patients with TN.

Results of three or more Gamma Knife radiosurgery procedures for recurrent trigeminal neuralgia

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Mihir Gupta ◽  
Varun Sagi ◽  
Aditya Mittal ◽  
Anudeep Yekula ◽  
Devan Hawkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Recurrent Pain ◽  
The Third ◽  
Percutaneous Procedures ◽  
Pain Outcomes

OBJECTIVE Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is an established surgical option for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN), particularly for high-risk surgical candidates and those with recurrent pain. However, outcomes after three or more GKRS treatments have rarely been reported. Herein, the authors reviewed outcomes among patients who had undergone three or more GKRS procedures for recurrent TN. METHODS The authors conducted a multicenter retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone at least three GKRS treatments for TN between July 1997 and April 2019 at two different institutions. Clinical characteristics, radiosurgical dosimetry and technique, pain outcomes, and complications were reviewed. Pain outcomes were scored on the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) scale, including time to pain relief (BNI score ≤ III) and recurrence (BNI score > III). RESULTS A total of 30 patients were identified, including 16 women and 14 men. Median pain duration prior to the first GKRS treatment was 10 years. Three patients (10%) had multiple sclerosis. Time to pain relief was longer after the third treatment (p = 0.0003), whereas time to pain recurrence was similar across each of the successive treatments (p = 0.842). Complete or partial pain relief was achieved in 93.1% of patients after the third treatment. The maximum pain relief achieved after the third treatment was significantly better among patients with no prior percutaneous procedures (p = 0.0111) and patients with shorter durations of pain before initiation of GKRS therapy (p = 0.0449). New or progressive facial sensory dysfunction occurred in 29% of patients after the third GKRS treatment and was reported as bothersome in 14%. One patient developed facial twitching, while another experienced persistent lacrimation. No statistically significant predictors of adverse effects following the third treatment were found. Over a median of 39 months of follow-up, 77% of patients maintained complete or partial pain relief. Three patients underwent a fourth GKRS treatment, including one who ultimately received five treatments; all of them reported sustained pain relief at the extended follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The authors describe the largest series to date of patients undergoing three or more GKRS treatments for refractory TN. A third treatment may produce outcomes similar to those of the first two treatments in terms of long-term pain relief, recurrence, and adverse effects.

Long-Term Outcomes in the Treatment of Classical Trigeminal Neuralgia by Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

Neurosurgery ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 79 (6) ◽  
pp. 879-888 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuria E. Martínez Moreno ◽  
Jorge Gutiérrez-Sárraga ◽  
Germán Rey-Portolés ◽  
Adolfo Jiménez-Huete ◽  
Roberto Martínez Álvarez
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Classical Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Facial Numbness

Abstract BACKGROUND: Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is one of the alternatives for treatment for classical trigeminal neuralgia (TN). OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze long-term outcomes for TN using GKRS achieved at our institution. METHODS: One hundred seventeen patients with medically refractory TN treated by GKRS at our institution were followed up between 1993 and 2011. Mean maximum dose was 86.5 Gy (range: 80-90 Gy; median: 90 Gy). Clinical response was defined based on the Burchiel classification. We considered classes I and II as a complete response. For toxicity, we use the Barrow Neurological Institute facial numbness scale. Mean duration of follow-up was 66 months (range: 24-171 months). RESULTS: Complete response at last follow-up in our patients was 81%, with an excellent response while off medication in 52%. Pain-free rates without medication (class I) were 85% at 3 years (confidence interval [CI]: 78%-94%), 81% at 5 years (CI: 72%-91%), and 76% at 7 years (CI: 65%-90%). Complete response rates (classes I-II) were 91% at 3 years (CI: 86%-97%), 86% at 5 years (CI: 79%-93%), and 82% at 7 years (CI: 72%-93%). Poor treatment response rates differed significantly between patients who had undergone previous surgery and were refractory to management with medication prior to GKRS. New or worsening facial numbness was reported in 32.5% (30% score II and 2.5% score III). No anesthesia dolorosa was reported. Permanent recurrence pain rate was 12%. CONCLUSION: GKRS achieved favorable outcomes compared with surgery in terms of pain relief and complication rates in our cohort of patients, notwithstanding decreasing pain-free survival rates over time. We consider GKRS to be an initial treatment in the management of medically intractable TN in selected patients.

scholarly journals Glossopharyngeal neuralgia treated by Gamma Knife radiosurgery: safety and efficacy through long-term follow-up

2018 ◽  
Vol 128 (5) ◽  
pp. 1372-1379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Pommier ◽  
Gustavo Touzet ◽  
Christian Lucas ◽  
Maximilien Vermandel ◽  
Serge Blond ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia ◽  
Symptom Improvement ◽  
Safety And Efficacy

OBJECTIVEGlossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is a rare and disabling condition. Just as for trigeminal neuralgia, Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is increasingly proposed as a therapeutic option for GPN. The purpose of this study was to assess long-term safety and efficacy of GKRS for this indication.METHODSFrom 2007 to 2015, 9 patients (4 male and 5 female) underwent a total of 10 GKRS procedures. All of the patients presented with GPN that was refractory to all medical treatment, and all had a long history of pain. One patient had previously undergone surgical microvascular decompression. In 5 cases, a neurovascular conflict had been identified on MRI. For the GKRS procedure, the glossopharyngeal nerve was localized on MRI and CT under stereotactic conditions. The target was located at the glossopharyngeal meatus of the jugular foramen. The dose administered to the nerve was 80 Gy in 3 procedures and 90 Gy in the others. Follow-up was planned for 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure and annually thereafter.RESULTSEight patients experienced an improvement in their pain. The median length of time from GKRS to symptom improvement in this group was 7 weeks (range 2–12 months). At the first follow-up, 6 patients were pain-free (pain intensity scores of I–III, based on an adaptation of the Barrow Neurological Institute scoring system for trigeminal neuralgia), including 4 patients who were also medication-free (I). One patient had partial improvement (IV) and 2 patients had no change. The mean duration of follow-up was 46 months (range 10–90 months). At the last follow-up 6 patients remained pain-free (pain scores of I–III), including 4 patients who were pain free with no medication (I). No side effect was observed.CONCLUSIONSBecause of its safety and efficacy, GKRS appears to be a useful tool for treatment of GPN, including first-line treatment.

Outcomes following single-treatment Gamma Knife surgery for trigeminal neuralgia with a minimum 3-year follow-up

2010 ◽  
Vol 112 (4) ◽  
pp. 766-771 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ron I. Riesenburger ◽  
Steven W. Hwang ◽  
Clemens M. Schirmer ◽  
Vasilios Zerris ◽  
Julian K. Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcome ◽  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Good Treatment ◽  
Complete Pain Relief ◽  
Good Treatment Outcome

Object Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) has been shown to be effective in treating trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Existing studies have demonstrated success rates of 69.1–85% with median follow-up intervals of 19–60 months. However, series with uniform long-term follow-up data for all patients have been lacking. In the present study the authors examined outcomes in a series of patients with TN who underwent a single GKS treatment followed by a minimum follow-up of 36 months. They used a clinical scale that simplifies the reporting of outcome data for patients with TN. Methods Fifty-three consecutive patients with typical, intractable TN received a median maximum radiation dose of 80 Gy applied with a single 4-mm isocenter to the affected trigeminal nerve. Follow-up data were obtained by clinical examination and questionnaire. Outcome results were categorized into the following classes (in order of decreasing success): Class 1A, complete pain relief without medications; 1B, complete pain relief with either a decrease or no change in medications; 1C, ≥ 50% pain relief without medications; 1D, ≥ 50% pain relief with either a decrease or no change in medications; and Class 2, < 50% pain relief and/or increase in medications. Patients with Class 1A–1D outcome (equivalent to Barrow Neurological Institute Grades I–IIIb) were considered to have a good treatment outcome, whereas in patients with Class 2 outcome (equivalent to Barrow Neurological Institute Grades IV and V) treatment was considered to have failed. Results A good treatment outcome from initial GKS was achieved in 31 (58.5%) patients for whom the mean follow-up period was 48 months (range 36–66 months). Outcomes at last follow-up were reflected by class status: Class 1A, 32.1% of patients; 1B, 1.9%; 1C, 3.8%; 1D, 20.8%; and Class 2, 41.5%. Statistical analysis showed no difference in outcomes between patients previously treated with microvascular decompression or rhizotomy compared with patients with no previous surgical treatments. Thirty-six percent of patients reported some degree of posttreatment facial numbness. Anesthesia dolorosa did not develop in any patient. Conclusions Despite a time-dependent deterioration in the success rate of GKS for medically intractable TN, the authors' study showed that > 50% of patients can be expected to have a good outcome based on their scoring system, with ~ 33% having an ideal outcome (pain free with no need for medications). Long-term data, as those presented here, are important when counseling patients on their treatment options.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for primary management for trigeminal neuralgia

2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 159-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald Brisman
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Primary Management ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) as the primary rather than secondary management for trigeminal neuralgia. Methods. Eighty-two patients underwent GKS as their first neurosurgical intervention (Group A), and 90 patients underwent GKS following a different procedure (Group B). All GKS patients were treated with a maximum dose of 75 Gy. The single 4-mm isocenter was placed close to the junction of the trigeminal nerve and the brainstem. Six-month follow up was available for 126 patients and 12-month follow up for 84 patients. Excellent (no pain and no medicine) or good (at least 50% reduction in pain and less medicine) relief was more likely to occur in Group A than in Group B patients 6 and 12 months following GKS for trigeminal neuralgia (p = 0.058). Excellent or good results were also more likely in patients with trigeminal neuralgia without multiple sclerosis (MS) (p = 0.042). The number and type of procedures performed prior to GKS, the interval between the last procedure and GKS, and the interval from first symptom to GKS (within Groups A and B) did not affect 6-month outcome. The interval between first symptom and GKS was shorter in Group A patients without MS (87 months) than in Group B (148 months; p < 0.004). There were no significant differences between Group A and B patients with regard to sex, age, or laterality. Conclusions. Patients with trigeminal neuralgia who are treated with GKS as primary management have better pain relief than those treated with GKS as secondary management. Patients are more likely to have pain relief if they do not have MS.

LONG-TERM PAIN RESPONSE AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPICAL TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA TREATED WITH GAMMA KNIFE STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY

Neurosurgery ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 915-924 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew S. Little ◽  
Andrew G. Shetter ◽  
Mary E. Shetter ◽  
Curt Bay ◽  
C. Leland Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Pain Intensity Score ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Long Term Treatment

Abstract OBJECTIVE The long-term outcome of patients treated with gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for typical trigeminal neuralgia has not been fully studied. We evaluated 185 patients who underwent their first GKRS treatment between 1997 and 2003 at the Barrow Neurological Institute. METHODS Follow-up was obtained by surveys and review of medical records. Outcomes were assessed by the Barrow Neurological Institute Pain Intensity Score and Brief Pain Inventory. The most common maximum dose was 80 Gy targeted at the root entry zone. Outcomes are presented for the 136 (74%) patients for whom more than 4 years of clinical follow-up data were obtained. RESULTS Treatment failed in 33% of the cohort within 2 years, but only an additional 1% relapsed after 4 years. Actuarial analysis demonstrated that 32% of patients were pain-free off medication and 63% had at least a good outcome at 7 years. When GKRS was used as the primary treatment, 45% of the patients were pain-free at 7 years. In contrast, 10% of patients in whom previous treatment had failed were pain-free. When needed, salvage therapy with repeat GKRS, microvascular decompression, or percutaneous lesioning was successful in 70%. Posttreatment facial numbness was reported as very bothersome in 5%, most commonly in patients who underwent another invasive treatment. After GKRS, 73% reported that trigeminal neuralgia had no impact on their quality of life. CONCLUSION GKRS is a reasonable long-term treatment option for patients with typical trigeminal neuralgia. It yields durable pain control in a majority of patients, as well as improved quality of life with limited complications and it does not significantly affect the efficacy of other surgical treatments, should they be needed.

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