Radiofrequency thermocoagulation in cases of atypical trigeminal neuralgia: a retrospective study

Abstract

Abstract Background Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is the most common cause of neuropathic facial pain. Atypical TN are usually refractory to conventional medical treatments and the standard microvascular decompression surgeries that lead to marked negative impact on the patient’s quality of life. Objective The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency (RF) ablation in cases with atypical TN that did not respond to standard medical treatments. Methods Our study included 19 consecutive patients with refractory atypical TN for more than 6 months. Neurological examination and MRI brain did not reveal any significant correlated signs. RF thermocoagulation was performed under fluoroscopy guidance. Collected data included preoperative conditions, pre- and post-procedure visual analog scale (VAS) score, and complications. Patients were followed up for a period of 1-year duration to evaluate the long-term efficiency of the procedure. Results A total of 19 patients were recruited into the study (56.32 ± 13.48 years, 21% males, 79% females). Females outnumbered males (15 female patients, 79%) versus (4 male patients, 21%). There was more than 50% improvement in VAS score (16 patients, 79% versus 3 patients, 21%) (p < 0.05). Age was the only statistically significant factor were more elderly patients showed better improvement regarding VAS score (p < 0.05). Conclusions Radiofrequency thermocoagulation is an effective and relatively safe procedure for alleviating atypical facial pain.

Keywords

• Efficacy
• Radiofrequency thermocoagulation
• Safety
• Atypical trigeminal neuralgia
• Complication
• Visual analog scale