Trigeminal Neuralgia — Causes, Treatment and RF Ablation

What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a neuropathic pain condition affecting the face. It has a significant impact on the quality of life and physical function of patients. Evidence suggests that the likely etiology is vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve leading to focal demyelination and aberrant neural discharge. Secondary causes such as multiple sclerosis or brain tumors can also produce symptomatic TN.

Treatment Options

Treatment must be individualized to each patient. Carbamazepine remains the drug of choice in the first-line treatment of TN. Minimally invasive interventional pain therapies and surgery are possible options when drug therapy fails. Younger patients may benefit from microvascular decompression.

Radiofrequency Rhizolysis

Elderly patients with poor surgical risk may be more suitable for percutaneous trigeminal nerve rhizolysis. The technique of radiofrequency rhizolysis of the trigeminal nerve is simple and relief is instant. Recovery is almost instant. Pain relief is comparable to surgery. Recurrence rate is almost equal in RFA and surgery. Repeatability is easy (unlike surgery) after few years if pain recurs.