Glycerol Rhizotomy as a Treatment Modality for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Author(s):  
Alexander B. Dru ◽  
Hasan A. Zaidi ◽  
Andrew G. Shetter

In this chapter, the authors discuss the use of glycerol rhizotomy (GR) as a treatment modality for trigeminal neuralgia. GR was first described by Håkanson and has been used for more than 40 years as a minimally invasive, safe option for the management of facial pain. Here, the authors discuss the history behind the discovery of GR, relevant biochemical mechanisms of neurolysis, indications, a step-by-step procedural outline for GR and intraoperative cisternography, potential side effects, efficacy of treatment, and new applications for the imaging technique. GR has stood the test of time in neurosurgery, and this chapter demonstrates its utility in patients who are poor surgical candidates for microvascular decompression and for whom medical treatment has failed to manage their intractable pain.

Cephalalgia ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 266-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Kuncz ◽  
E Vörös ◽  
P Barzó ◽  
J Tajti ◽  
P Milassin ◽  
...  

To evaluate whether NC could be demonstrated preoperatively, high-resolution magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was performed in 287 consecutive patients with TN and persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP) on a 0.5-T and a 1-T MR unit. Depending on the clinical symptoms, the TN cases were divided into typical TN and trigeminal neuralgia with non-neuralgic interparoxysmal pain (TNWIP) groups. Microvascular decompression (MVD) was performed in 103 of the MRA-positive cases. The patients were followed up postoperatively for from 1 to 10 years. The clinical symptoms were compared with the imaging results. The value of MRA was assessed on the basis of the clinical symptoms and surgical findings. The outcome of MVD was graded as excellent, good or poor. The clinical symptoms were compared with the type of vascular compression and the outcome of MVD. The MRA image was positive in 161 (56%) of the 287 cases. There were significant differences between the clinical groups: 66.5% of the typical TN group, 47.5% of the TNWIP group and 3.4% of the PIFP group were positive. The quality of the MR unit significantly determined the ratio of positive/negative MRA results. The surgical findings corresponded with the MRA images. Six patients from the MRA-negative group were operated on for selective rhizotomy and no NC was found. Venous compression of the trigeminal nerve was observed in a significantly higher proportion in the background of TNWIP than in that of typical TN on MRA imaging (24.1% and 0.8%, respectively) and also during MVD (31.2% and 1.2%, respectively). Four years following the MVD, 69% of the patients gave an excellent, 23% a good and 8% a poor result. The rate of some kind of recurrence of pain was 20% in the typical TN and 44% in TNWIP group. The rate of recurrence was 57% when pure venous compression was present. The only patient who was operated on from the PIFP group did not react to the MVD. The clinical symptoms and preoperative MRA performed by at least a 1-T MR unit furnish considerable information, which can play a role in the planning of the treatment of TN.


Author(s):  
M. Yashar S. Kalani ◽  
Michael R. Levitt ◽  
Celene B. Mulholland ◽  
Charles Teo ◽  
Peter Nakaji

Diseases of ephaptic transmission are commonly caused by vascular compression of cranial nerves. The advent of microvascular decompression has allowed for surgical intervention for this patient population. This chapter highlights the technique of endoscopic-assisted microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. Endoscopy and keyhole techniques have resulted in a minimally invasive and effective treatment of symptoms for patients with neuralgia.


2019 ◽  
pp. 23-30
Author(s):  
Oren Sagher

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is an uncommon, but devastating pain condition. It shares many features with trigeminal neuralgia, but predominantly affects the posterior tongue and pharynx. Since glossopharyngeal neuralgia pain is frequently triggered by swallowing or movement of the tongue, patients frequently present with weight loss and dehydration. This chapter describes the classic features of this condition, including its association with syncope. The medical management of glossopharyngeal neuralgia is outlined as a primary treatment modality. Surgical considerations are also described, including microvascular decompression or sectioning of the glossopharyngeal nerve. Surgical pearls for both of these procedures are outlined, as well as strategies for complication avoidance and management.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunil K Gupta

Abstract INTRODUCTION Trigeminal neuralgia has always been a disease of conflict from pathological and management perspectives. Despite advances in the radiological imaging, evidence from autopsy studies, and intraoperative findings, concrete answers are not in sight. GKRS has been a strong contender among available treatment options for the management of trigeminal neuralgia. METHODS All patients were evaluated on clinical criteria, BNI scale for intensity of pain, and facial hypoesthesia (if any) in a protocol-based manner. Only patients with BNI III to V were offered GKRS as a treatment modality. The Marseille point was targeted with a 70 to 90 Gy dose at 50% isodose. Patients were informed about all available treatment options with long-term prognosis and pain control rates. Patients in need of an immediate pain relief, in failed GKRS, and in a severe pain jeopardizing routine life and eating habits were not offered GKRS and were managed with microvascular decompression. RESULTS A total of 108 (65 males, 43 females) patients received GKRS with the Perfexion model since 2009. Eighty-two percent of the patients received GKRS for primary trigeminal neuralgia, while the rest received GKRS for secondary trigeminal neuralgia due to skull base lesions (meningioma, schwannoma, cerebellar AVM, etc). A total of 78% of the patients had preoperative BNI scale IV, while 19% and 3% of the patients had grade III and V scale pain, respectively. Ninety-four percent patients gained BNI scale III intensity pain within 3 mo of GKRS. The 3-yr pain control rate (BNI I-II) could be attained in 81% of the patients. Twelve percent of the patients remained in BNI grade III. Two patients needed redo GKRS for their pain recurrence. CONCLUSION It remains uncontested that MVD provides the best long-term pain-free control in patients of trigeminal neuralgia; however, GKRS remains a valuable feasible option for a selected group of patients. GKRS should be offered as an alternative treatment modality in patients not in urgent need of pain relief. In failed GKRS, authors did not encounter any difficulty in microvascular decompression.


2006 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Luiz Kraemer ◽  
Arthur de Azambuja Pereira Filho ◽  
Gustavo de David ◽  
Mario de Barros Faria

Our purpose is to report a case of trigeminal neuralgia caused by vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia treated with microvascular decompression. A 63-year-old man sought treatment for a recurrent lancinating left facial pain in V2 and V3 trigeminal territories. The computed tomography angiography revealed a mechanical compression of the left trigeminal nerve due to vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia. The patient was submitted to a left suboccipital craniotomy. Shredded Teflon® was introduced in the conflicting neurovascular area, achieving a satisfactory decompression. The patient’s pain resolved immediately. Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia is a rare cause of trigeminal neuralgia and a successful outcome can be achieved with microvascular decompression.


2012 ◽  
Vol 5;15 (5;9) ◽  
pp. E725-E732
Author(s):  
Jackson Cohen

Background: Facial pain occurring after traumatic injury of the facial branches of the trigeminal nerve is a medical condition that is often very difficult to treat. Patients are quite disabled by their symptoms and most therapies are ineffective in relieving this pain. Peripheral nerve stimulation has been used as a treatment to provide pain relief for this type of intractable atypical facial pain. Objective: To describe a minimally invasive peripheral nerve stimulation surgical technique for treating posttraumatic trigeminal neuralgia. Study Design: Case report based on a patient seen in a university setting with posttraumatic trigeminal neuropathic pain who underwent a minimally invasive technique for the placement of a peripheral nerve stimulator. Setting: University-based outpatient clinic. Methods: A patient with a clinical picture suggestive of trigeminal neuropathic pain secondary to trauma involving the V1 and V2 branches of the trigeminal nerve was selected. Conservative management was attempted with no improvement before peripheral nerve stimulation was tried with a minimally invasive surgical technique. We recorded the patient’s subjective assessment of pain and daily function before and after the procedure. Results: Following the procedure, the patient’s pain score decreased approximately 50% and the patient reported a better quality of life with improvement in daily function as well as a more positive outlook on her condition. There were no complications after the procedure and the patient reported no complaints with the device. Limitations: Case report. Conclusions: This surgical technique for placing peripheral nerve stimulators allows for a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of intractable posttraumatic trigeminal neuralgia with potentially less risk of facial nerve damage. This case confirms the need for further studies to be done in the future to prove the safety and effectiveness of this technique. Key Words: Peripheral nerve stimulation, posttraumatic trigeminal neuralgia, neuropathic pain, minimally invasive technique, facial pain.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-19
Author(s):  
Elena Ghentilis Fitri Amelia ◽  
Agus Turchan ◽  
Nancy Margarita Rehatta ◽  
Hanik Badriyah Hidayati

Background: Trigeminal Neuralgia is a common condition of facial pain and its significantly affect patients’ daily life. Microvascular decompression is one of the interventional pain management for trigeminal neuralgia. There is still a little data obtained on evaluation of facial pain after microvascular decompression in Indonesia. Objective: This research aimed to evaluate facial pain after microvascular decompression of trigeminal neuralgia patients in Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, PHC Hospital, and Bangil General Hospital, Indonesia. Methods: The research design was a pretest-posttest with total sampling. Data were obtained from medical records from January 2018 until June 2019. Researches used Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) as pain measurement. The data obtained were analyzed by descriptive statistical test, normality test, and paired t-test. Results: Trigeminal Neuralgia patients that has been treated with microvascular decompression have an average facial reduction from 7.33±2.29 to 1.89±3.41 with p = 0.001. This result showed that the microvascular decompression has significantly reduce facial pain in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. Conclusion: Microvascular decompression significantly reduce the facial pain of trigeminal neuralgia patients.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 56 (6) ◽  
pp. 1304-1312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna M. Zakrzewska ◽  
Benjamin C. Lopez ◽  
Sung Eun Kim ◽  
Hugh B. Coakham

Abstract OBJECTIVE: There are no reports of patient satisfaction surveys after either a microvascular decompression (MVD) or a partial sensory rhizotomy (PSR) for trigeminal neuralgia. This study compares patient satisfaction after these two types of posterior fossa surgery for trigeminal neuralgia, because it is postulated that recurrences, complications, and previous surgical experience reduce satisfaction. METHODS: All patients who had undergone their first posterior fossa surgery at one center were sent a self-complete questionnaire by an independent physician. Among the 44 questions on four standardized questionnaires were 5 questions that related to patient satisfaction and experience of obtaining care. Patients were divided into those having their first surgical procedure (primary) and those who had had previous ablative surgery (nonprimary). RESULTS: Response rates were 90% (220 of 245) of MVD and 88% (53 of 60) of PSR patients. Groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, duration of symptoms, mean duration of follow-up, and recurrence rates. Overall satisfaction with their current situation was 89% in MVD and 72% in PSR patients. Unsatisfied with the outcome were 4% of MVD and 20% of PSR patients, and this is a significant difference (P < 0.01). Satisfaction with outcome was higher in those undergoing this as a primary procedure. In the primary group, satisfaction was dependent on recurrence and complication/side effects status (each P < 0.01), but this was not the case in the nonprimary group. Patients expressed a desire for earlier posterior fossa surgery in 73% of MVD and 58% of PSR patients, and this was highest in the primary group. The final outcome was considered to be better than expected in 80% of MVD and 54% of PSR patients, but 22% of the PSR group (P < 0.01) thought they were worse off. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing posterior fossa surgery as a primary procedure are most satisfied and PSR patients are least satisfied, partly because of a higher rate of side effects.


1984 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 594-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wishwa N. Kapoor ◽  
Peter J. Jannetta

✓ A patient with trigeminal neuralgia experienced a generalized seizure and a prolonged syncopal episode. He was found to be asystolic during the syncopal episode. There was no recurrence of loss of consciousness after implantation of a pacemaker. Mechanical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve during craniotomy for microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve resulted in bradycardia. Since vascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve, there has been no recurrent facial pain, and no further syncope, seizures, or bradycardia. Syncope and seizures have not been previously reported in association with trigeminal neuralgia, although they are well described with glossopharyngeal neuralgia.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexe Vinokurov ◽  
Alexandr Kalinkin

Background. The incidence of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is 15 per 100,000 people per year. The effectiveness of the existing conservative methods of therapy does not exceed 50%. The use of carbamazepine doubles the frequency of depressive conditions, and 40% of suicidal thoughts. Purpose of the study. To evaluate the long-term results of microvascular decompression using video endoscopy in the treatment of patients with classical trigeminal neuralgia (cNTN) with paroxysmal facial pain. Methods. At the Federal Research and Clinical Center of the FMBA of Russia in the period from 2014 to 2019. 96 patients with cNTN were operated on in 62 (64%) of whom neuralgia was with paroxysmal facial pain, and in 34 (36%) - with constant pain. The average period from the onset of pain syndrome to surgery was 5 years (from 2 months to 15 years). The maximum pain intensity upon admission to the hospital according to the visual analogue scale (VAS) was 10 points, according to the BNI (Barrow Neurological Institute) pain syndrome scale - V. All patients underwent MIA of the trigeminal nerve root using Teflon, and in 9 patients during surgery used video endoscopic assistance. The average follow-up period after surgery was 3.4 1.7 years (from 1 to 5 years).Results. In all (100%) patients, pain was completely relieved after surgery (BNI - I). Excellent and good results after MVD within 5 years were achieved in 98% of patients (BNI - I-II). Facial hypesthesia, which does not bring discomfort and anxiety (BNI-II), developed in 8% (n = 5) of patients. The use of video endoscopy made it possible to identify vessels compressing the trigeminal nerve root with minimal traction of the cerebellum and cranial nerves. The development of cerebellar edema and ischemia occurred in one (1.6%) patient.Conclusion. The MVD method with video endoscopy is effective in the treatment of patients with cNTN with paroxysmal pain syndrome.


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