J Korean Pain Soc.  2001 Dec;14(2):261-265.

Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation for Recurred Trigeminal Neuralgia: A case report

• Lim KJ
• Lee JC
• Kim SS

Abstract

Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the gasserian ganglion is a safe procedure that can be controlled well and provides satisfactory pain relief from trigeminal neuralgia with low risk. Here the authors report a case of radiofrequency thermocoagulation performed on a recurred trigeminal neuralgia patient, with particular attention to the V3 area. The patient was treated with microvascular decompression 7 years previous, which lead to untolerable side effects from carbamazepine medication. Following the paresthesia and masseter muscle contracture test at 50 Hz 0.06 volt and 2 Hz 0.5 volt respectively, RF lesionings were performed for 60 sec at 60degreesC and 70 sec at 70degreesC. One week after the procedure, the pain was reduced with a mild hypoesthesia in the V2 area. After 6 months, the pain recurred. Therefore, we performed the same procedure again. After 8-months of follow-up, there has been no pain or complications.

Keyword

Gasserian ganglion; Radiofrequency thermocoagulation; Trigeminal neuralgia

MeSH Terms

Carbamazepine
Contracture
Electrocoagulation*
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Hypesthesia
Masseter Muscle
Microvascular Decompression Surgery
Paresthesia
Trigeminal Ganglion
Trigeminal Neuralgia*
Carbamazepine