CT-guided selective percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation via the foramen rotundum for isolated maxillary nerve idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia

2018 ◽  
Vol 128 (1) ◽  
pp. 211-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quan Wan ◽  
Daying Zhang ◽  
Xintian Cao ◽  
Yong Zhang ◽  
Mengye Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Class I ◽  
Ct Guided ◽  
Maxillary Nerve ◽  
Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Foramen Rotundum ◽  
The Mean

OBJECTIVEAlthough CT-guided selective percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation (PRFT) via the foramen rotundum (FR) has been used in the clinic as a novel successful treatment for isolated, second division (maxillary nerve [V2]), idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (ITN), there is only very limited related literature published to date. This report aims to provide more detail for physicians about this technique.METHODSBetween March 2013 and April 2014, 20 patients with isolated V2 ITN refractory to or intolerant of drug treatment were treated by CT-guided selective PRFT via the FR at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. The outcome of pain relief was assessed using the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain score, and grouped as good (BNI Class I or II, no medication required) and bad (BNI Class III–V, medication required or failed). Recurrence was defined as a relapse to a previous lower level after attainment of any higher level of pain relief. Adverse effects and complications were also monitored and recorded.RESULTSAll patients (100%) obtained good pain relief including BNI Class I in 17 patients (85%) and BNI Class II in 3 patients (15%) immediately postoperatively. None of the patients were lost to follow-up. During the mean follow-up period of 24.3 months (range 18–30 months), 2 patients (10%) experienced recurring pain and the mean time until recurrence was 10.5 months (range 8–13 months). No adverse effects or complications occurred except for transient numbness restricted to the V2 dermatome in all patients (100%) and facial hematoma in 3 patients (15%).CONCLUSIONSIn the current study, CT-guided selective PRFT via the FR not only achieved absolute selective lesioning to V2, but also helped patients attain successful pain relief with few adverse effects. These limited data suggest that CT-guided selective PRFT via the FR appears to be a feasible, safe, effective, and even relatively ideal treatment for isolated V2 ITN, but these findings need confirmation from further studies.

Long-term Follow-up of Patients Treated with Percutaneous Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation via the Foramen Rotundum for Isolated Maxillary Nerve Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia

Pain Medicine ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 1370-1378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bing Ran ◽  
Jun Wei ◽  
Qiong Zhong ◽  
Min Fu ◽  
Jun Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Ct Guided ◽  
Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation ◽  
Complete Pain Relief ◽  
Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Foramen Rotundum ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation (PRT) via the foramen rotundum (FR) for the treatment of isolated maxillary (V2) idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (ITN) and assess the appropriate puncture angle through the anterior coronoid process to reach the FR. Methods Between January 2011 and October 2016, 87 patients with V2 ITN refractory to conservative treatment were treated by computed tomography (CT)–guided PRT via the FR at our institution. The outcome of pain relief was assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS) and Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain grade and grouped as complete pain relief (BNI grades I–III) or unsuccessful pain relief (BNI grades IV–V). Recurrence and complications were also monitored and recorded. The puncture angle for this novel approach was assessed based on intraoperative CT images. Results Of the 87 treated patients, 85 (97.7%) achieved complete pain relief, and two patients (2.3%) experienced unsuccessful pain relief immediately after operation. During the mean follow-up period of 44.3 months, 15 patients (17.2%) experienced recurring pain. No severe complications occurred, except for hypoesthesia restricted to the V2 distribution in all patients (100%) and facial hematoma in 10 patients (11.5%). The mean puncture angle to reach the FR was 33.6° ± 5.7° toward the sagittal plane. Discussion CT-guided PRT via the FR for refractory isolated V2 ITN is effective and safe and could be a rational therapy for patients with V2 ITN.

CYBERKNIFE RADIOSURGERY FOR TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA TREATMENT

Neurosurgery ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 647-655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan T. Villavicencio ◽  
Michael Lim ◽  
Sigita Burneikiene ◽  
Pantaleo Romanelli ◽  
John R. Adler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Radiation Doses ◽  
Maximal Dose ◽  
Median Length ◽  
Pain Medications ◽  
Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Cyberknife Radiosurgery ◽  
The Mean

Abstract OBJECTIVE Radiosurgery has gained acceptance as a treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia. We report our preliminary multicenter experience treating trigeminal neuralgia with the CyberKnife (Accuray, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA). METHODS A total of 95 patients were treated for idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia between May 2002 and October 2005. Radiosurgical dose and volume parameters were retrospectively analyzed in relation to pain response, complications, and recurrence of symptoms. Optimal treatment parameters were identified for patients who had excellent and sustained pain relief with no complications, including severe or moderate hypesthesia. RESULTS Excellent pain relief was initially experienced by 64 out of 95 patients (67%). The median time to pain relief was 14 days (range, 0.3–180 d). Posttreatment numbness occurred in 45 (47%) of the patients treated. Using higher radiation doses and treating longer segments of the nerve led to both better pain relief and a higher incidence of hypesthesia. The presence of posttreatment numbness was predictive of better pain relief. The overall rate of complications was 18%. At the mean follow-up time of 2 years, 47 of the 95 patients (50%) had sustained pain relief, all of whom were completely off pain medications. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest the following optimal radiosurgical treatment parameters for treatment of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia: a median maximal dose of 78 Gy (range, 70–85.4 Gy) and a median length of the nerve treated of 6 mm (range, 5–12 mm).

Gamma Knife surgery used as primary and repeated treatment for idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia

2008 ◽  
Vol 109 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. 179-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuan-Fu Huang ◽  
Hsien-Tang Tu ◽  
Wen-Shan Liu ◽  
Shyh-Ying Chiou ◽  
Long-Yau Lin
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Repeated Treatment ◽  
Maximal Dose ◽  
Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Facial Numbness ◽  
The Mean

Object The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (TN) treated with Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) as a primary and repeated treatment modality with a mean follow-up of 5.7 years. Methods Between July 1999 and September 2005, a total of 89 patients with idiopathic TN underwent GKS as a primary treatment. The entry zone of the TN was targeted with a 4-mm collimator and treated with a maximal dose of 60–90 Gy (mean 79 Gy). The dose to the pontine margin was always kept < 15 Gy. Twenty patients received repeated GKS for recurrent or residual pain with a maximal dose of 40–76 Gy (mean 52 Gy). For the second procedure, the target was positioned at the same location as the first treatment. Results The mean follow-up period was 68 months (range 32–104 months). Sixty-nine (77.5%) of the 89 patients experienced a favorable response, as follows: 50 (56%) had excellent, 12 (13.5%) had good, and 7 (7.8%) had fair outcomes. The mean time to pain relief was 1.1 months (range 2 days–6 months). No significant correlation, but more likely a tendency, was found between the dose and pain relief (p = 0.08). Also, no correlation was noted for facial numbness (p = 0.77). The mean follow-up period after repeated GKS was 60 months (range 32–87 months). Outcomes after repeated GKS were excellent in 11 patients (55%) and good in 1 (5%). Seven patients experienced facial numbness. No correlation was found between the additive dose and pain relief (p = 0.24) or facial numbness (p = 0.15). Final outcomes of primary and repeated GKS were excellent in 61 (68.5%), good in 13 (14.6%), and fair in 7 (7.9%). In total, 91% of the patients were successfully treated with this method. There was no statistical significance for efficacy between primary and repeated GKS (p = 0.65), but there was a significant difference for facial numbness (p = 0.007). Conclusions Gamma Knife surgery established durable pain relief when used as a primary and repeated surgery. Treatment was successful for a total of 91% of patients at a mean follow-up of 5.7 years, but facial numbness was also relatively higher.

scholarly journals Radiofrequency Thermoablation of the Gasserian Ganglion Versus the Peripheral Branches of the Trigeminal Nerve for Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Randomized, Control Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (22.2) ◽  
pp. 147-154
Author(s):  
Neerja Bharti
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Facial Pain ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Gasserian Ganglion ◽  
Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Radiofrequency Thermoablation

Background: Trigeminal neuralgia is the most painful condition of facial pain leading to impairment of routine activities. Although radiofrequency thermoablation (RFT) of the Gasserian ganglion is widely used for the treatment of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia in patients having ineffective pain relief with medical therapy, the incidence of complications like hypoesthesia, neuroparalytic keratitis, and masticatory muscles weakness is high. Recent case reports have shown the effectiveness of RFT of the peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve for relief of refractory chronic facial pain conditions including trigeminal neuralgia. Objectives: This study was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of RFT of the peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve with RFT of the Gasserian ganglion for the management of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. Study Design: Prospective, randomized, observer-blinded, clinical trial. Setting: Tertiary care hospital and medical education and research institute. Methods: A total of 40 adult patients of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia were randomly allocated into 2 groups. The control group received RFT of the Gasserian ganglion while the study group received RFT of the peripheral branches of trigeminal nerve. The procedures were performed in the operation room under all aseptic precautions with fluoroscopic guidance. Post-procedure, the patients were assessed for loss of sensation along the nerve distribution and the adequacy of pain relief on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). The patients were followed up for 3 month to assess the quality of pain relief by the NRS and the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity scale. Improvement in pain was considered excellent if patients had complete pain relief without any medication, good if there was significant reduction in pain (> 50%) with or without medication, and poor if there was less than 50% reduction in pain with medications. Patients were also assessed for numbness and any other side effects. Patients’ satisfaction with the procedure was recorded. Results: Nineteen patients in the control group and 18 in study group had effective pain relief of up to 3 months. Their pain scores were comparable at all time intervals, though the number of patients receiving supplementary medications was more in study group at 2 months (P = 0.015). The patients showed overall satisfaction score of 8.5 (8-9) and 8 (7-9) in control and study groups respectively. The average procedure duration was 30 (30-38) minutes in the control group and 28 (25-40) minutes in the study group. Most of the patients in both groups had mild numbness after the procedure. One patient in the control group had lower eyelid swelling and another had mild weakness of the masseter muscle, which resolved few days later. No major complication was reported in the study group except for 1 patient who reported local ecchymosis. Limitations: The main limitation of the study is that the patients and the investigator performing the procedure were not blinded, though the person who assessed the patient during follow-up was blinded to the group assignment. Another limitation is that we could not follow up with the patients after 3 months due to time constraints. Conclusion: We found that radiofrequency thermoablation of the peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve is an effective and safe procedure for the management of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. Key words: Idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia, radiofrequency thermoablation, Gasserian ganglion, peripheral nerve branches, pain, trigeminal nerve

scholarly journals The Value and Application of Personalized Needle Modification in Percutaneous Infrazygomatic Radiofrequency in Isolated Maxillary Nerve Pain through the Foramen Rotundum

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (22;4) ◽  
pp. 377-389
Author(s):  
Bing Huang
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Deviation Angle ◽  
Superior Orbital Fissure ◽  
Blocking Group ◽  
Ct Guided ◽  
Maxillary Nerve ◽  
External Orifice ◽  
Foramen Rotundum ◽  
Straight Needle

Background: Percutaneous infrazygomatic radiofrequency (PIR) is a common approach used to block isolated maxillary nerve (V2) pain through the foramen rotundum (FR) in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Nevertheless, when using this method, there is a risk of accidental penetration of the superior orbital fissure (SOF) and the optic canal (OC) that may result in the injury of the vessels and nerves in that area, and in some severe cases may lead to blindness. According to the blocking of the external orifice of the FR and whether a curved needle was used, combined angle deviation from the path of percutaneous infrazygomatic approach, the FR to the SOF or the OC in the treatment of V2 pain, in which no research has reported the angle, we analyzed the value and application of personalized needle modification in PIR in isolated maxillary nerve pain through the FR. Objectives: The following study examined the relationship between the FR and the SOF, and analyzed the clinical significance of personalized needle modification in computed tomography (CT)-guided PIR ablation of the maxillary nerve through the FR in patients with TN. Study Design: Randomized, review, clinical research study. Setting: Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medical Center, Jiaxing, China. Methods: Three-dimensional reconstruction was performed in 88 patients and 136 patients with PIR ablation in isolated maxillary nerve pain through the FR. According to the blocking of the external orifice of the FR and whether a curved needle was used, patients were divided into 4 groups: curvedneedle blocking group (CB), straight-needle blocking group (SB), straight needle no-blocking group (SN), and curved-needle no-blocking group (CN). Results: The results obtained revealed minimum H (shortest diameter of the FR) = 1.0 mm and minimum L (length of the FR tubes) = 3.7 mm. The distance between the external orifice of the FR and the SOF (FS) was 5.16 ± 1.33 mm. The angle A (between the radiofrequency needle and the sagittal plane) was 39 ± 3.95°; the angle between the canthomeatal line and the CT scan line (ACT) was 58.99 ± 6.23°; the puncture depth (LS) was 63.99 ± 4.24 mm; the deviation angle of the misplacement into the SOF (SAF) was 2.96 ± 0.71°; the deviation angle of the misplacement into the OC (OAF) was 4.95 ± 0.73°. In addition, the postoperative Numeric Rating Scale scores in the CB group were significantly lower compared with the SB group, whereas the probability of entering the SOF in the CB group was significantly lower compared with the SB group. The total number of punctures in the SN group was less than that in the CN group. Limitations: Additional clinical data should be collected to preserve the results in future work. Conclusions: The distance between the FR and the SOF or the OC was only few millimeters, and slight angle error could lead to the SOF and the OC. For patients with blockage in the path, the treatment of radiofrequency with personalized needle modification could improve the curative effect and reduce the risk of accidental SOF penetration. Key words: Trigeminal neuralgia, foramen rotundum, superior orbital fissure, radiofrequency, personalized needle modification

scholarly journals Percutaneous Microcompression for Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia: curative effects and complications

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
yi ma ◽  
Yan-feng Li ◽  
Hai-tao Huang ◽  
Bin Wang ◽  
Quan-cai Wang
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Base Line ◽  
Intracranial Infection ◽  
Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia

Abstract Background. We aimed to present the immediate and long term effect of percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) for idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (ITN). Methods. ITN patients who underwent PBC for the first time in the past seven years were enrolled. Base line data and immediate postoperative outcomes were collected by reviewing the medical records and long term results. Kaplan-Meier curve, life-table analysis proportional-hazards analysis were utilized to assess the long term results and the likelihood of tic recurrence. Results. 12,797 patients were enrolled. Immediate after the PBC procedure, complete and partial pain relief were achieved in 95.6% and 1.1% patients respectively, with no relief in 1.7 % patients; the common side effects on the affected side of face included the sense loss in 98.9% patients, with 3.8% of them experienced sense loss combined abnormal sense; masseter weakness in 90.6%, herpes eruption in 51.4%, corneal reflex weakness or loss in 12.7% patients. The fewer perioperative complications covered diplopia in 139 patients (1.1%), partial hearing loss in 190 patients (1.5%), vascular complications in 5 patients (0.05%), brainstem hematoma in one patient (0.01%), ischemic stroke in two patients (0.02%), intracranial hemorrhage in 11 patents (0.09%), and intracranial infection in one patient (0.01%) patients. Of three deaths happened in the perioperative period, two died of intracranial hemorrhage, and the other one died of intracranial infection. 5794 (49.2%) patients, who were followed than one year after the procedure, were included in the follow-up study, with the median follow-up period of 7.2 years. Complete and partial pain relief were obtained in 82.9% and 6.8% patients respectively, while the pain recurrence occurred in 8.5% patients. Side effects included sense loss without abnormal sense in 54.3%, with acceptable abnormal sense in 6.0%, and with severe abnormal sense in 2.0% patients. Masseter weakness was reported by 7.5% patients. 96.4% patients were satisfied with the procedure. Conclusion. Our study shows PBC is a safe, simple and effective procedure, with both immediate and long-term success rates, acceptable side effects and fewer deadly complications, should be considered as one of the best choice for the treatment of ITN patients.

Earlier radiosurgery leads to better pain relief and less medication usage for trigeminal neuralgia patients: an international multicenter study

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Monica Mureb ◽  
Danielle Golub ◽  
Carolina Benjamin ◽  
Jason Gurewitz ◽  
Ben A. Strickland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Radiation Dose ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Latency Period ◽  
Type I ◽  
Pain Intensity Score ◽  
Pain Outcomes ◽  
The Mean ◽  
International Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVETrigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain condition that is difficult to control with conservative management. Furthermore, disabling medication-related side effects are common. This study examined how stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) affects pain outcomes and medication dependence based on the latency period between diagnosis and radiosurgery.METHODSThe authors conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with type I TN at 12 Gamma Knife treatment centers. SRS was the primary surgical intervention in all patients. Patient demographics, disease characteristics, treatment plans, medication histories, and outcomes were reviewed.RESULTSOverall, 404 patients were included. The mean patient age at SRS was 70 years, and 60% of the population was female. The most common indication for SRS was pain refractory to medications (81%). The median maximum radiation dose was 80 Gy (range 50–95 Gy), and the mean follow-up duration was 32 months. The mean number of medications between baseline (pre-SRS) and the last follow-up decreased from 1.98 to 0.90 (p < 0.0001), respectively, and this significant reduction was observed across all medication categories. Patients who received SRS within 4 years of their initial diagnosis achieved significantly faster pain relief than those who underwent treatment after 4 years (median 21 vs 30 days, p = 0.041). The 90-day pain relief rate for those who received SRS ≤ 4 years after their diagnosis was 83.8% compared with 73.7% in patients who received SRS > 4 years after their diagnosis. The maximum radiation dose was the strongest predictor of a durable pain response (OR 1.091, p = 0.003). Early intervention (OR 1.785, p = 0.007) and higher maximum radiation dose (OR 1.150, p < 0.0001) were also significant predictors of being pain free (a Barrow Neurological Institute pain intensity score of I–IIIA) at the last follow-up visit. New sensory symptoms of any kind were seen in 98 patients (24.3%) after SRS. Higher maximum radiation dose trended toward predicting new sensory deficits but was nonsignificant (p = 0.075).CONCLUSIONSTN patients managed with SRS within 4 years of diagnosis experienced a shorter interval to pain relief with low risk. SRS also yielded significant decreases in adjunct medication utilization. Radiosurgery should be considered earlier in the course of treatment for TN.

Clinical outcomes after Gamma Knife surgery for idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia: review of 76 consecutive cases

2008 ◽  
Vol 109 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. 173-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos Dellaretti ◽  
Nicolas Reyns ◽  
Gustavo Touzet ◽  
Thierry Sarrazin ◽  
François Dubois ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Retrospective Evaluation ◽  
Previous Surgery ◽  
Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Facial Numbness ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Low Rate

Object Stereotactic radiosurgery is an increasingly used, and the least invasive, surgical option for patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN). In this study, the authors performed a retrospective evaluation of the safety and efficacy of this method for idiopathic TN. Methods The authors reviewed data from 76 patients with idiopathic TN who underwent Gamma Knife surgery (GKS). The mean age of the patients was 64 years (range 27–83 years). All patients had typical features of TN. Thirty patients (39.5%) had previously undergone surgery. The intervention consisted of GKS on the retrogasserian cisternal portion of the fifth cranial nerve. The mean maximum GKS dose used was 85.1 Gy (range 75–90 Gy). Results Patients were followed-up from 6 to 42 months (mean 20.3 months) after GKS. Complete pain relief was achieved in 83.1% of the patients within 1 year, 70.9% within 2 years, and 62.5% within 3 years. Patients who underwent previous surgery demonstrated a lower rate of pain relief (p < 0.05). Twenty patients (26.3%) reported pain recurrence between 6 and 42 months after treatment. New or worsened persistent trigeminal dysfunction developed after GKS in 16 patients (21%); 8 of these patients described some facial numbness/not bothersome, and 8 reported some facial numbness/somewhat bothersome. None of the patients developed troublesome dysesthesia or anesthesia dolorosa. Conclusions Gamma Knife surgery for idiopathic TN proved to be safe and effective and was associated with a particularly low rate of complications.

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.

CYBERKNIFE RADIOSURGERY AS A FIRST TREATMENT FOR IDIOPATHIC TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Neurosurgery ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 64 (suppl_2) ◽  
pp. A96-A101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Fariselli ◽  
Carlo Marras ◽  
Michela De Santis ◽  
Marcello Marchetti ◽  
Ida Milanesi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Pain Control ◽  
Root Entry Zone ◽  
Successful Treatment Outcome ◽  
Robotic Radiosurgery ◽  
Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Facial Numbness ◽  
Cyberknife Radiosurgery

Abstract OBJECTIVE To report the level of effectiveness and safety, in our experience, of CyberKnife (Accuray, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) robotic radiosurgery as a first-line treatment against pharmacologically refractory trigeminal neuralgia. METHODS We treated 33 patients with the frameless CyberKnife system as a monotherapy. The retrogasserian portion of the trigeminal nerve (a length of 4 mm, 2–3 mm anterior to the root entry zone) was targeted. Doses of 55 to 75 Gy were prescribed to the 100% isodose line, according to a dose escalation protocol. The patients were evaluated for the level of pain control, time to pain relief, hypesthesia, and time to pain recurrence. RESULTS The median age was 74 years. All but 2 patients (94%) achieved a successful treatment outcome. The follow-up period was 9 to 37 months (mean, 23 months). The Barrow Neurological Institute Pain Intensity Scale (BPS) score before radiosurgery was III in 2 patients (6%), IV in 8 patients (24%), and V in 23 patients (70%). The time to pain relief was 1 to 180 days (median, 30 days). No facial numbness was observed. Only 1 patient developed a transitory dysesthesia of the tongue. After treatment, the BPS score was I, II, or III in 31 patients (97%). Pain recurred in 33% (11 patients) at a mean of 9 months (range, 1–43 months). Three patients with recurrences had low pain control by medication (BPS score, IV), and 1 patient (BPS score, V) needed a radiofrequency lesioning (BPS score, I at 12 months). CONCLUSION CyberKnife radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia allows pain relief at safe doses and is suggested for pharmacologically refractory trigeminal neuralgia. Higher prescribed doses were not associated with improvement in pain relief or recurrence rate.

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