Doses greater than 85 Gy and two isocenters in Gamma Knife surgery for trigeminal neuralgia: updated results

2006 ◽  
Vol 105 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. 107-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania Morbidini-Gaffney ◽  
Chung-Taik Chung ◽  
Tracy Erin Alpert ◽  
Nancy Newman ◽  
Seung Shin Hahn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Pain Scale ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Facial Numbness ◽  
Duration Of Response ◽  
Single Isocenter

ObjectThe purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) in treating patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Preliminary results of this study were previously reported. The updated results are reported in this paper.MethodsNinety seven patients with TN refractory to medical or surgical management underwent GKS between September 1998 and October 2005. Fifteen patients had multiple sclerosis (MS). The radiation dose was escalated from 70 to 99 Gy. The Barrow Neurological Institute Pain Scale (BNIPS) was used to assess pain before and after GKS.Eighty-four patients were available for evaluation with a mean follow up of 8.9 months. The overall response and complete response rates were 70.2% and 36.9%, respectively. At 12 months, there was a greater improvement in BNIPS scores for patients who were treated with two isocenters compared with those treated with a single isocenter. The mean percentage of pain decrease was 56.26% compared with 11.53% (p < 0.001). Patients treated with two isocenters rather than one and patients receiving greater than 85 Gy compared with lower doses had a longer duration of response. Only nine patients (11%) had mild numbness attributable to the GKS. Five of the nine patients experienced complete resolution of facial numbness on follow up. Patients with MS have a shorter duration of response compared with those without MS (p = 0.35).Conclusions These updated results show that GKS continues to be an effective therapy for TN. It appears there is an enhanced response with doses 85 Gy or more and with two isocenters without increased complications.

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.

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.

Gamma knife surgery for trigeminal neuralgia: outcomes and prognostic factors

2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (3) ◽  
pp. 434-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Sheehan ◽  
Hung-Chuan Pan ◽  
Matei Stroila ◽  
Ladislau Steiner
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Facial Numbness ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Microvascular decompression (MVD) and percutaneous ablation surgery have historically been the treatments of choice for medically refractory trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Gamma knife surgery (GKS) has been used as an alternative, minimally invasive treatment in TN. In the present study, the authors evaluated the long-term results of GKS in the treatment of TN. Methods. From 1996 to 2003, 151 cases of TN were treated with GKS. In this group, radiosurgery was performed once in 136 patients, twice in 14 patients, and three times in one patient. The types of TN were as follows: 122 patients with typical TN, three with atypical TN, four with multiple sclerosis—associated TN, and seven with TN and a history of a cavernous sinus tumor. In each case, the chosen radiosurgical target was located 2 to 4 mm anterior to the entry of the trigeminal nerve into the pons. The maximal radiation doses ranged from 50 to 90 Gy. The median age of the patients was 68 years (range 22–90 years), and the median time from diagnosis to GKS was 72 months (range 1–276 months). The median follow up was 19 months (range 2–96 months). Clinical outcomes and postradiosurgical magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate factors that correlated with a favorable, pain-free outcome. The mean time to relief of pain was 24 days (range 1–180 days). Forty-seven, 45, and 34% of patients were pain free without medication at the 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow ups, respectively. Ninety, 77, and 70% of patients experienced some improvement in pain at the 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow ups, respectively. Thirty-three (27%) of 122 patients with initial improvement subsequently experienced pain recurrence a median of 12 months (range 2–34 months) post-GKS. Among those whose symptoms recurred, 14 patients underwent additional GKS, six MVD, four glycerol injection, and one patient a percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomy. Twelve patients (9%) suffered the onset of new facial numbness post-GKS. Changes on MR images post-GKS were noted in nine patients (7%). On univariate analysis, right-sided neuralgia (p = 0.0002) and a previous neurectomy (p = 0.04) correlated with a pain-free outcome; on multivariate analysis, both right-sided neuralgia (p = 0.032) and patient age (p = 0.05) were statistically significant. New onset of facial numbness following GKS correlated with undergoing more than one GKS (p = 0.002). Conclusions. At the last follow up, GKS effected pain relief in 44% of patients. Some degree of pain improvement at 3 years post-GKS was noted in 70% of patients with TN. Although less effective than MVD, GKS remains a reasonable treatment option for those unwilling or unable to undergo more invasive surgical approaches and offers a low risk of side effects.

Gamma Knife surgery for recurrent or residual trigeminal neuralgia after a failed initial procedure

2010 ◽  
Vol 113 (Special_Supplement) ◽  
pp. 172-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuan-Fu Huang ◽  
Shyh-Ying Chiou ◽  
Ming-Fang Wu ◽  
Hsien-Tang Tu ◽  
Wen-Shan Liu
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Pain Control ◽  
Initial Treatment ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Facial Numbness ◽  
Initial Procedure

Object The purpose of this study was to assess outcomes of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) as a second treatment for recurrent or residual trigeminal neuralgia (TN) after failure of 3 initial procedures: microvascular decompression (MVD), GKS, and percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomy (PRR). Methods Between 1999 and 2008, 65 patients (31 men [48%] and 34 women [52%]) with recurrent TN were treated with GKS. All 65 patients had undergone previous medical procedures that failed to achieve sufficient pain relief: 27 patients (42%) had undergone MVD, 8 (12%) had undergone PRR, and 30 (46%) had undergone GKS as the initial treatment. The entry zone of the trigeminal nerve was targeted using a 4-mm collimator and treated with 35–90 Gy. The isocenter was positioned so that the brainstem surface was usually irradiated at an isodose no greater than 20% (59 patients) to 30% (6 patients). The median duration of TN symptoms in these patients was 39 months (range 1–192 months). Results At the clinical evaluation, 42 patients (65%) with idiopathic TN reported successful pain control at a median follow-up point of 64 months (range 18–132 months). Of these patients, 33 (51%) were no longer using medication. At the 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up examinations, 74%, 71%, and 66% of patients experienced successful pain control, respectively. There was no significant difference in pain relief in the initial MVD group compared with the initial GKS and initial PRR groups (74% vs 59% and 50%, respectively; p = 0.342). Recurrence of pain was noted in 23 patients. Twelve of these 23 patients underwent another GKS, resulting in pain control in 8 patients (67%); 8 other patients underwent MVD, resulting in pain relief in 7 patients (87.5%). The median time from GKS to pain recurrence was 7 months (range 3–48 months). There was no significant difference in new facial numbness among the 3 groups (p = 0.24); however, in the initial GKS group, facial numbness was significantly associated with freedom from pain (p = 0.0012). There was a significant correlation between the total radiation dose and facial numbness. The cutoff value for facial numbness ranged from 115 to 120 Gy (p = 0.037). Conclusions Gamma Knife surgery as a second treatment achieved acceptable levels of pain control in 65% of patients with residual or recurrent TN after long-term follow-up. Initial treatment was not a factor that affected pain control, but salvage surgery may be considered separately for each group.

scholarly journals Comparative study of Gamma Knife surgery and percutaneous retrogasserian glycerol rhizotomy for trigeminal neuralgia in patients with multiple sclerosis

2012 ◽  
Vol 117 (Special_Suppl) ◽  
pp. 175-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Mathieu ◽  
Khaled Effendi ◽  
Jocelyn Blanchard ◽  
Mario Séguin
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Pain Control ◽  
Pain Scale ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Morbidity Rate

Object Among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) there is a high incidence of trigeminal neuralgia (TN), and outcomes after treatment seem inferior to those in patients suffering from idiopathic TN. The goal of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes in patients with MS-related TN after Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) and compare them with those obtained using percutaneous retrogasserian glycerol rhizotomy (PRGR). Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed the charts of 45 patients with MS-related TN. The first procedure undertaken was GKS in 27 patients and PRGR in 18 patients. Pain had been present for a median of 60 months (range 12–276 months) in patients who underwent GKS and 48 months (range 12–240 months) in patients who underwent PRGR. The following outcome measures were assessed in both groups of patients: pain relief (using the Barrow Neurological Institute [BNI] Pain Scale), procedure-related morbidity, time to pain relief and recurrence, and subsequent procedures that were performed. Results The median duration of follow-up was 39 months (range 13–69 months) in the GKS group and 38 months (range 2–75 months) in the PRGR group. Reasonable pain control (BNI Pain Scale Scores I–IIIb) was noted in 22 patients (81.5%) who underwent GKS and in 18 patients (100%) who underwent PRGR. For patients who underwent GKS, the median time to pain relief was 6 months; for those who underwent PRGR, pain relief was immediate. In the GKS group12 patients required subsequent procedures (3 patients for absence of response and 9 patients for pain recurrence), whereas in the PRGR group 6 patients required subsequent procedures (all for pain recurrence). As of the last follow-up, complete or reasonable pain control was finally achieved in 23 patients (85.2%) in the GKS group and in 16 patients (88.9%) in the PRGR group. The morbidity rate was 22.2% in the GKS group (all due to sensory loss and paresthesia) and 66.7% in the PRGR group (mostly hypalgesia, with 2 patients having corneal reflex loss and 1 patient suffering from meningitis). Conclusions Both GKS and PRGR are satisfactory strategies for treating MS-related TN. Gamma Knife surgery has a lower rate of sensory and overall morbidity than PRGR, but requires a delay before pain relief occurs. The authors propose that patients with extreme pain in need of fast relief should undergo PRGR. For other patients, both management strategies can lead to satisfactory pain relief, and the choice should be made based on patient preference and expectations.

Gamma Knife surgery for trigeminal neuralgia: a review of 450 consecutive cases

2010 ◽  
Vol 113 (Special_Supplement) ◽  
pp. 160-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeroen B. Verheul ◽  
Patrick E. J. Hanssens ◽  
Suan Te Lie ◽  
Sieger Leenstra ◽  
Hendrik Piersma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Pain Scale ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Adequate Pain Relief ◽  
Uniform Treatment ◽  
Outcome Criteria

Object The success rates and side effects of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) are not fully clear. A comparison of data across previous reports is hampered by differences in treatment protocols, lengths of follow-up, and outcome criteria. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to knowledge of the efficacy of GKS in TN by reviewing data in a large group of patients with this disorder, who were treated with a uniform treatment protocol and evaluated using a well-established pain scale and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Methods The authors reviewed 450 treatments in 365 patents with medically refractory TN who were treated between June 2002 and October 2009 at the Gamma Knife Center Tilburg. In all patients 80 Gy was prescribed, with a single 4-mm isocenter located at the root entry zone (REZ). In 79 patients repeated GKS was performed using a uniform dose of 80 Gy, which was delivered, in a highly standardized manner, to a spot anterior to the position of the first treatment. Follow-up was obtained by reviewing the patients' medical records and conducting telephone interviews. Outcome was assessed using the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain scale and the BNI facial numbness scale. Results The median follow-up period was 28 months. In the idiopathic TN group, rates of adequate pain relief, defined as BNI Pain Scores I–IIIB, were 75%, 60%, and 58% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. In the multiple sclerosis (MS)–related TN group the rates of adequate pain relief were 56%, 30%, and 20% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Repeated GKS was as successful as the first. An analysis of our treatment strategy of repeated GKS showed rates of adequate pain relief of 75% at 5 years in the idiopathic TN and 46% in the MS-related TN group. Somewhat bothersome numbness was reported by 6% of patients after the first treatment and by 24% after repeated GKS. Very bothersome numbness was reported in 0.5% after the first GKS and in 2% after the second treatment. Conclusions In this study the authors analyzed outcomes of GKS in a large cohort of patients with TN; uniform treatment consisted of 80 Gy delivered to the REZ. The initial and long-term outcomes of pain relief and sensory dysfunction are comparable to recently published results at other institutions, where similar outcome criteria were used. These data should prove helpful to assist patients and clinicians in their TN management decisions.

Repeated Gamma Knife surgery for refractory trigeminal neuralgia

2006 ◽  
Vol 105 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. 99-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuan-Fu Huang ◽  
Jim-Chao Chuang ◽  
Hsien-Tang Tu ◽  
Long-Yau Lin
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Prospective Trial ◽  
Late Complications ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Dose Effect ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Facial Numbness

ObjectRepeated Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is an acceptable method for refractory cases but not well established in terms of dose effect and nerve tolerance. The authors report their experience in 28 patients over 3.5 years of follow up.MethodsBetween 1999 and 2004, a total of 28 patients with recurrent or residual TN underwent repeated GKS. The median follow-up periods were 52 and 43 months after the first and repeated procedures, respectively. The entry zone of the trigeminal nerve was targeted using a 4-mm collimator and treated with 40 to 76 Gy as maximal dose. Additive doses ranged between 110 and 152 Gy. The median duration of symptoms was 4.86 years. There were 12 women (46%) and 16 men (54%).At the last evaluation, a total of 19 patients (68%) reported pain relief. Of these patients, 13 were no longer taking pain medications. Significant recurrent or residual pain was noted in nine patients after a median follow up of 12 months (range 6–48 months). New onset of facial numbness was noted in 10 patients. An additive dose above 115 Gy was found to be associated with facial numbness and nonfacial numbness (p = 0.047). No definite additive dose correlation with pain relief was noted (p = 0.23).Conclusions Repeated GKS established durable pain relief in a majority of patients, and a higher additive dose (> 115 Gy) tended to cause facial numbness. However, a prospective trial is needed to fully assess the efficacy and late complications of GKS.

Trigeminal nerve dysfunction after Gamma Knife surgery for trigeminal neuralgia: a detailed analysis

2010 ◽  
Vol 113 (Special_Supplement) ◽  
pp. 184-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinji Matsuda ◽  
Osamu Nagano ◽  
Toru Serizawa ◽  
Yoshinori Higuchi ◽  
Junichi Ono
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Trigeminal Nerve ◽  
Pain Control ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Clinical Visit ◽  
Facial Numbness ◽  
Nerve Dysfunction ◽  
Free Status

Object Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) is an effective treatment option for intractable trigeminal neuralgia (TN). The incidence of trigeminal nerve dysfunction, such as facial numbness or dysesthesia, has been reported to be higher than previously published, and the degree and prognosis of trigeminal nerve dysfunction has not been well evaluated. The authors evaluated the incidence, timing, degree, and outcome of trigeminal nerve dysfunction after GKS for TN. Methods One hundred four patients with medically refractory TN were treated by GKS. Thirty-nine patients were men and 65 were women; their median age at GKS was 74 years. Using a single isocenter and a 4-mm collimator, 80 or 90 Gy was directed to the trigeminal nerve root. Follow-up data were obtained at clinical examinations every 3–6 months after GKS. Each patient's pain-control status and degree of trigeminal nerve dysfunction were recorded. The incidence, timing, and degree of dysfunction (assessed using the Barrow Neurological Institute facial numbness scale [BNI-N]) and the prognosis and factors related to trigeminal nerve dysfunction were analyzed. Results The median duration of follow-up in these patients was 37 months (range 6–121 months). At the final clinical visit, a pain-free status was still observed in 71 patients (68.3%). In 51 patients (49.0%), new or increased trigeminal nerve dysfunction developed at a median of 10.5 months (range 4–68 months) after GKS. In 24 patients (23.1%), this dysfunction was categorized as BNI-N Score II, in 20 patients (19.2%) as BNI-N Score III, and in 7 patients (6.7%) as BNI-N Score IV. Among those patients, 18 patients, including 3 patients with BNI-N Score IV, experienced improvement in nerve dysfunction between 24 and 108 months after GKS (median 52.5 months). At the final clinical visit, 43 patients (41.3%) reported having some trigeminal nerve dysfunction: in 26 patients (25.0%) this was categorized as BNI-N Score II, in 13 patients (12.5%) as BNI-N Score III, and in 4 patients (3.8%) as BNI-N Score IV. The only independent factor that was correlated to all trigeminal nerve dysfunction and also specifically to bothersome trigeminal nerve dysfunction was pain-free status at the final clinic visit. Conclusions The incidence of trigeminal nerve dysfunction after GKS for TN was 49%. The severity of the dysfunction improved in one-third of the afflicted patients, even in those with severe dysesthesia at long-term follow-up. A strong relationship between TN and good pain control was identified.

Stereotactic gamma knife surgery for trigeminal neuralgia: detailed analysis of treatment response

2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (3) ◽  
pp. 442-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rabih G. Tawk ◽  
Mary Duffy-Fronckowiak ◽  
Bryan E. Scott ◽  
Ronald A. Alberico ◽  
Aidnag Z. Diaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Treatment Response ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Facial Numbness ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The purpose of this study was to assess the durability and completeness of pain relief in patients treated using stereotactic gamma knife surgery (GKS) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Methods. Thirty-eight patients with refractory TN were treated with stereotactic GKS. All patients received a prescription radiation dose of 35, 40, or 45 Gy to the 50% isodose surface through a 4-mm collimator helmet. The group was assessed regularly based on physician-directed interviews for a median follow up of 24 months (range 6–27 months). Pain relief was classified as excellent (no pain without medication), good (well-controlled pain with continued medication), fair (decreased but residual pain with continued medication), or poor (unimproved or increased pain with the same or increased medication). Three months after treatment, pain relief was good or excellent in 71% of patients. By 24 months post-GKS, 50% of the original cohort had poor pain relief, 21% continued to have either excellent or good relief, 3% had fair relief, and 26% had not reached the 24-month follow up. Based on their status at the last follow up, 29% of patients had excellent and 16% had good pain relief. Thirty-seven percent experienced facial numbness, which was dose related. In addition, there was a significantly higher rate of complete pain relief in patients who had facial numbness following treatment (p = 0.003). Conclusions. Stereotactic GKS is an effective treatment in patients with TN; however, the durability of pain relief and the time to treatment response are limiting factors. As with other types of ablative treatment, facial numbness is strongly associated with better treatment response.

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