Gasserian ganglion radiofrequency thermoablation in a patient with aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery -A case report-

Abstract

Background Gasserian ganglion radiofrequency thermoablation is a good treatment option for the management of pain in trigeminal neuralgia. We report a case in which the patient of trigeminal neuralgia combined with anterior cerebral artery aneurysm was treated successfully by gasserian ganglion thermoablation without any complication. Case An 85-year-old female presenting with electric shock like sensation in the gum and molar teeth was diagnosed as trigeminal neuralgia. Carbamazepine medication and trigeminal nerve blockade relieved her pain partially, but severe side effects of carbamazepine occurred. Magnetic resonance angiography of the brain showed saccular aneurysm in inferior aspect of the anterior communicating artery. Gasserian ganglion thermoablation under sedation anesthesia using nicardipine was performed carefully without any rupture of the cerebral aneurysm. Conclusions Gasserian ganglion thermoablation could be performed safely in a patient with cerebral aneurysm without any inadvertent event.

Keywords

• gasserian ganglion thermoablation
• nicardipine
• saccular aneurysm
• trigeminal neuralgia
• vital sign monitoring