Perioperative and long-term operative outcomes after surgery for trigeminal neuralgia: microvascular decompression vs percutaneous balloon ablation

Clinical Depression and Anxiety Are Relieved by Microvascular Decompression in Patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia-A Prospective Patient-Reported Outcome Study

Objective: Patients with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (TN) live in constant fear of triggering shock-like pain episodes, which may cause symptoms of depression and a reduction in quality of life. Microvascular decompressive surgery has been demonstrated to achieve satisfactory and stable results. With this study, we wanted to investigate prevalence and risk factors for depression and perceived stress in correlation with symptom relief after surgical treatment. Methods: In this prospective study, patients undergoing microvascular decompression (MVD) for TN were included. The Barrow Neurological Institute Pain Score (BNI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ), Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and McGill questionnaire were used to evaluate depression, stress and anxiety disorders before and 3 months after MVD. Results: A total of 35 patients (16 male (46%)) with a mean age of 55.4 (SD 15) years were included in this study. The BDI revealed that 24 (68.8%) patients harbored mild-to-extreme depression preoperatively (2.4 ± 1.4), which improved to 1.2 (±0.6, p < 0.0001). Pain acceptance also changed from 64 (±11.3) to 67.7 (±9.3, p = 0.006). Perceived stress decreased from 46.9 (±21.9) to 19.6 (±18.6) (p < 0.0001) postoperatively, and pain decreased from 31.0 (±11.7) to 9.4 (±12.9, p < 0.0001). Microvascular decompression reduced the mean BNI pain score significantly from 4.6 to 1.8 postoperatively (p < 0.00001). Conclusions: Depression and perceived stress are prevalent in patients with idiopathic TN. Adequate treatment not only provides a high rate of satisfaction through pain relief, but also leads to immediate and significant improvements in depression and stress. Thus, in patients with TN who do not reach an adequate and timely pain reduction through medical management and develop signs of depression, early treatment with microvascular decompression should be considered.

Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia: a single-center experience with 516 cases, including 32 patients with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness and long-term pain relief of microvascular decompression (MVD) for "typical" trigeminal neuralgia (TN), including patients affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

METHODS

Between January 2011 and December 2022, 516 consecutive patients presenting with trigeminal neuralgia and a diagnosed neurovascular conflict at MRI underwent microvascular decompression surgery in our neurosurgery department. Ten surgeons with different ages and experiences performed the surgical procedures. Pain improvement, re-operation rate, and complication rates were retrospectively collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

516 patients were included (214 males 302 females, ranging from 12 to 87 years), including 32 patients with multiple sclerosis. Neurovascular compression was found in all cases during surgery. Barrow Neurological Institute pain intensity scale with a score of I was achieved in 404 patients (78,29%), a score II or III was obtained in 100 cases (19,37%) and a score of IV and V in 12 patients (2,32%). In the multiple sclerosis subset of patients, a BNI score of I was achieved in 21/32 (65.62%). The pain recurrence rate of our series was 15.11%. The follow-up for all patients was at least of 13 months, with a mean follow-up of 41.93 months (± 17.75 months, range 13-91 months). Neither intraoperative mortality nor major intra-operative complications occurred in the analyzed series. The re-operation rate was 12.98%. Thermorhizotomy, percutaneous balloon compression, cyber-knife radiosurgery, or new MVD were the surgical techniques utilized for re-operations.

CONCLUSIONS

MVD may be considered an effective and safe surgical technique for TN, and in patients affected by multiple sclerosis, it may be proposed even if a less favorable outcome has to be expected with respect to classic TN patients. Larger studies focusing on the relation of multiple sclerosis with neurovascular compression are required.

Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia: A retrospective analysis of long-term outcomes and prognostic factors

INTRODUCTION

Microvascular decompression is considered to be the most effective and only etiological surgical treatment for classical trigeminal neuralgia, relieving the neurovascular compression found in up to 95% of cases. This study aims to report the long-term outcomes and to identify prognostic factors in a series of patients with trigeminal neuralgia treated by microvascular decompression.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study of 152 consecutive patients operated by microvascular decompression with at least six months of follow-up. The surgical results, including pain relief according to the Barrow Neurological Institute pain scale, complications and the medical treatment during the follow-up period were reviewed. Binary regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with a good long-term outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 152 patients with a mean age of 60 years and a mean follow-up of 43 months were included. At the final follow-up visit, 83% of the patients had achieved significant relief of the pain and 63% could reduce the absolute drug doses by 50% or more. The most frequent complications were wound infection (4.5%) and CSF fistula (7%). Being over 70 years of age and having paroxysmal pain were associated with a long-term pain relief.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the notion that microvascular decompression is an effective and safe therapy in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. A multidisciplinary approach with an early referral to a neurosurgical unit many be beneficial in patients who are refractory to pharmacological treatment.

Is percutaneous balloon compression better than microvascular decompression to treat trigeminal neuralgia? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a neuropathic pain that affects one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve. Surgical options after pharmacological failure are Microvascular Decompression (MVD) or percutaneous procedures, which include Balloon Compression (PBC). This study aims to describe pain outcomes and complications after PBC and MVD procedures for patients with trigeminal neuralgia.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, and Web of Science databases up to April 2022, following PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-Analysis). Articles that separately describe pain outcome for MVD and PBC were included. MINORS tool was used for bias assessment. Meta-analysis results are presented in forest plot and funnel plot.

RESULTS

853 studies were assessed for screening, and 11 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. A total of 1046 patients underwent PBC and 1324 underwent MVD. The subgroup analysis for patients without multiple sclerosis shows that MVD was associated with lower number of patients with pain than PBC, with an OR value of 0.54 (95 % CI 0.34-0.84). All other analyses evidenced a tendency for better outcomes after the MVD procedure, but with no statistically significant difference.

CONCLUSION

Considering short and long pain relief, recurrence of pain and total complications for MVD and PBC, our study found that MVD is the best surgical option available for trigeminal neuralgia.

Predictors of response for percutaneous balloon compression for the treatment of recurrent trigeminal neuralgia following surgical procedures: a retrospective study

Recurrent trigeminal neuralgia (TN) after surgical procedures can be rather difficult to treat, and standardized treatment measures are not available yet. It is unclear whether percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) can be used as the preferred surgical treatment for postoperative recurrent TN. To determine the efficacy of PBC and identify the predictors of response of PBC for the treatment of recurrent TN following TN-related surgeries, we retrospectively collected and analyzed the data of patients with recurrent TN following surgical treatments who underwent PBC under three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) guidance at the Department of Pain Management of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2018 to January 2022. We found, within 1 month after PBC, that the total efficacy of PBC on recurrent TN following TN-related surgeries was 86.7%. Based on the effectiveness of PBC 1 month postoperatively, patients were divided into the effective group (130, 86.7%) and the ineffective group (20, 13.3%). Fourteen (10.8%) patients in the effective group had undergone RFT before, which was significantly lower than that in the ineffective group (6, 30%, p = 0.02). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that previous RFT alone (OR = 0.20, 95%CI 0.06-0.66, P = 0.01) was an independent predictor of the negative response of PBC. Thus, PBC was found to be a moderately effective and safe treatment for recurrent TN after TN-related surgery. However, previous RFT procedures may predict a slightly worse outcome after PBC.

Comparison of first-time microvascular decompression with percutaneous surgery for trigeminal neuralgia: long-term outcomes and prognostic factors

Objective

Common surgical treatments for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) include microvascular decompression (MVD) and percutaneous procedures (glycerol rhizolysis; thermocoagulation; and balloon compression). Although the efficacy of each procedure has been documented, direct comparisons of their relative efficacies for TN are lacking. We aimed to directly compare long-term outcomes after first-time MVD with percutaneous surgery in primary (idiopathic and classical) TN and identify predictors of outcome.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 185 patients undergoing MVD and 129 undergoing percutaneous surgery. Procedures were performed by one of two neurosurgeons in a single centre; an independent observer collected long-term follow-up data by interviews, using the same outcome measures for all procedures.

Results

MVD patients were younger than those undergoing percutaneous surgery (P <.001). MVD provided superior initial pain relief (P <.001): 87.0% had Barrow Neurological Institute class I or II pain scores after MVD compared with 67.2% after percutaneous surgery. The complication rate for percutaneous procedures was 35.7% and for MVDs was 24.9% (P =.04), including minor and transient complications. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that MVD provided longer pain relief than percutaneous procedures (P <.001); 25% of patients had recurrence at 96 months following MVD compared with 12 months after percutaneous surgery. Subgroup analysis showed that balloon compression provided more durable relief amongst percutaneous procedures. Multivariate analysis revealed that post-operative numbness and age were prognostic factors for percutaneous procedures (P =.03 and .01, respectively).

Conclusions

MVD provides better initial pain relief and longer durability of relief than percutaneous surgery, although carrying a small risk of major complications. Amongst percutaneous procedures, balloon compression gave the most durable relief from pain. Older age and post-operative numbness were predictors of good outcome from percutaneous surgery. These results can help clinicians to counsel patients with primary TN on neurosurgical treatment selection for pain relief.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00701-021-04793-4.

Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia: A retrospective analysis of long-term outcomes and prognostic factors

INTRODUCTION

Microvascular decompression is considered to be the most effective and only etiological surgical treatment for classical trigeminal neuralgia, relieving the neurovascular compression found in up to 95% of cases. This study aims to report the long-term outcomes and to identify prognostic factors in a series of patients with trigeminal neuralgia treated by microvascular decompression.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study of 152 consecutive patients operated by microvascular decompression with at least six months of follow-up. The surgical results, including pain relief according to the Barrow Neurological Institute pain scale, complications and the medical treatment during the follow-up period were reviewed. Binary regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with a good long-term outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 152 patients with a mean age of 60 years and a mean follow-up of 43 months were included. At the final follow-up visit, 83% of the patients had achieved significant relief of the pain and 63% could reduce the absolute drug doses by 50% or more. The most frequent complications were wound infection (4.5%) and CSF fistula (7%). Being over 70 years of age and having paroxysmal pain were associated with a long-term pain relief.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the notion that microvascular decompression is an effective and safe therapy in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. A multidisciplinary approach with an early referral to a neurosurgical unit many be beneficial in patients who are refractory to pharmacological treatment.

Does the Surgical Intervention for Trigeminal Neuralgia Refractory to Pharmacotherapy Improve Quality-of-Life? - A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) refractory to pharmacotherapy requires surgical interventions which vary from percutaneous procedure to microvascular decompression (MVD). The aim of the systematic review is to find evidence for the surgical treatment for TN with high success rate and low complications which improves the quality-of-life (QOL).

METHODS

A systematic literature search was made on published studies from MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Science direct, and Cochrane Library databases that report the available surgical treatment for TN up to March 2020 and studies referred in the selected papers. Relevant studies were selected based on predefined eligibility criteria. The primary outcome measured was success rate, pain relief and secondary outcome measured was QOL, recurrence and complication rate.

RESULTS

Ten studies with a sum of 11,154 individuals were included in this qualitative analysis. Seven studies compared MVD whereas 4 studies compared Gamma knife radiosurgery with other techniques like percutaneous balloon compression, percutaneous glycerol rhizotomy etc. The result showed that MVD has a considerable higher rate of initial pain-free outcomes (96.6%) followed by Gamma knife radiosurgery (96.2%), cryotherapy (95.4%), percutaneous balloon compression (87%), percutaneous glycerol rhizotomy (85%) and the lowest rate of cohorts who were never pain-free (1.7%).QOL was improved to 100% as a result of pain relief which was evaluated in only 2 studies . Overall the recurrence rate was 0.45 to 52%. MVD has lower rate of long-term recurrence 0.45 and 6.1% for 2 years and 8 years, respectively, and cryotherapy has the highest rate of 52% at 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Outcomes of the literature search showed that it lacks the knowledge to generally support 1 or the other treatment. Each type of TN requires individualized protocols to treat based on pain response which ultimately improve the QOL. We also propose there should be more reliable data reporting by using a universally acceptable pain scale for better analysis of treatment outcome.

Outcomes of Treatment for Elderly Patients With Trigeminal Neuralgia: Percutaneous Balloon Compression Versus Microvascular Decompression

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to evaluate the surgical outcomes of percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) and microvascular decompression (MVD) in the treatment of elderly patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN).

METHODS

A total of 30 patients who underwent PBC surgery (PBC group) and 30 patients who received MVD surgery (MVD group) were included. The treatment efficacy, Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity score, inflammatory response, the rates of complication and recurrence were analyzed respectively.

RESULTS

The total efficacy was 93.33% in the PBC group and 90.00% in the MVD group (P > 0.05), respectively. The pain relief rate was 90.00% and 86.67% after PBC and MVD surgery, respectively (P > 0.05). The levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 were significantly decreased at post-operative 3 days and 5 days compared with pre-operation in the 2 groups (P < 0.05). The post-operative complication rates regarding masticatory muscle weakness and facial numbness in the PBC group were higher than MVD group (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, the incidences of herpes simplex and keratohelcosis were similar between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). The recurrence rates were also similar between the 3 groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous balloon compression and MVD are effective in the treatment for elderly TN, which can effectively improve the post-operative cure rate of pain prognosis and reduce the inflammatory response. However, PBC is a minimally invasive, safe and effective method for patients in poor general condition and refused treatment with craniotomy.

Long-Term Retrospective Analysis of Microvascular Decompression in Patients With Recurrent Trigeminal Neuralgia

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics of patients with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and the experience of microvascular decompression (MVD) in the treatment of such patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data, imaging examination results, surgical methods, and treatment efficacies in 127 patients with recurrent typical TN from January 2005 to December 2014. Results: The age of the recurrent group was higher than that of the non-recurrent group (p < 0.05). The duration of pain before the first MVD procedure was longer in the recurrent group than in the non-recurrent group (p < 0.05). Patients in the recurrent group were more likely to have compression of the trigeminal nerve by the vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) or multiple vessels than patients in the non-recurrent group (p < 0.05). A Kaplan-Meier curve showed a median pain-free survival of 12 months after the first MVD procedure. The severity of pain (preoperative visual analog scale [VAS] score) in patients with recurrence was lower than that in patients with first-onset TN (p < 0.05). Vessel compression, Teflon compression or granuloma and arachnoid adhesion were considered the main causes of recurrence. Postoperative Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) scores in the redo MVD group were excellent (T = 2) for 69 patients (53.33%) and good (T = 3) for 46 patients (36.22%). The postoperative follow-up was 63-167 months (105.92 ± 25.66). During the follow-up, no recurrence was noted. All complications were cured or improved. Conclusions: Microvascular decompression (MVD) is an effective surgical method for the treatment of TN. For recurrent patients, reoperation can achieve good results.

Microvascular decompression: incidence and prevention of postoperative CSF leakage in a consecutive series of 134 patients

Introduction: Microvascular decompression (MVD) is an established procedure for treating Trigeminal Neuralgia and Hemifacial Spasm. Postoperative CSF leakage is still a common complication after MVD.Material and Methods: We did a retrospective study of 134 patients who underwent microvascular decompression, mainly for Trigeminal Neuralgia and Hemifacial Spasm in our unit. All patients had an apparently watertight repair of the dura at the end of the operation done by our technique using Duraguard ® and Histacryl® glue.Results: Of the 134 patients, 129 (96.2%) had no postoperative CSF leakage. Only five (3.7%) of the patients experienced postoperative CSF leak.Conclusion: We conclude that dural repair using the described technique, with a dural substitute (Duraguard) and Histacryl glue is safe and effective in preventing postoperative CSF leakage following MVD.

Microsurgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia in patients older than 70 years: An efficacy and safety study

INTRODUCTION

The increasing incidence of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) with age together with population ageing call for reexamination of surgical treatment options for refractory TN in elderly patients.

METHODS

Retrospective review of a consecutive series of patients older than 70 who underwent microvascular decompression (MVD) for refractory TN between 1997 and 2015. Outcomes based on the Barrow Neurological Institute pain intensity score (BNI score) and surgical complications were compared to those of patients younger than 70 undergoing MVD in the same period.

RESULTS

Forty patients older than 70 (mean = 74.8 years) underwent interventions. At a mean follow-up time of 34 months, 73% of the patients presented complete absence of pain without medication (BNI I) and 85% had good pain control with or without medication (BNI I-III). A comparison of these patients with the 85 patients younger than 70 treated surgically during the same period did not find a significant association between age and achievement of pain control (BNI I-II). However, there was a significant association between age older than 70 and complete pain relief (BNI I; P=.03). The mean hospital stay in patients over 70 was also significantly longer (P=.04), although the postsurgical complication rate was similar to that in younger patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients with refractory TN may benefit from treatment with MVD and the probability of success and surgical risk are comparable to those in younger patients.

Advances in diagnosis and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia

Various drugs and surgical procedures have been utilized for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Despite numerous available approaches, the results are not completely satisfying. The need for more contemporaneous drugs to control the pain attacks is a common experience. Moreover, a number of patients become drug resistant, needing a surgical procedure to treat the neuralgia. Nonetheless, pain recurrence after one or more surgical operations is also frequently seen. These facts reflect the lack of the precise understanding of the TN pathogenesis. Classically, it has been related to a neurovascular compression at the trigeminal nerve root entry-zone in the prepontine cistern. However, it has been evidenced that in the pain onset and recurrence, various neurophysiological mechanisms other than the neurovascular conflict are involved. Recently, the introduction of new magnetic resonance techniques, such as voxel-based morphometry, diffusion tensor imaging, three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography, and fluid attenuated inversion recovery sequences, has provided new insight about the TN pathogenesis. Some of these new sequences have also been used to better preoperatively evidence the neurovascular conflict in the surgical planning of microvascular decompression. Moreover, the endoscopy (during microvascular decompression) and the intraoperative computed tomography with integrated neuronavigation (during percutaneous procedures) have been recently introduced in the challenging cases. In the last few years, efforts have been made in order to better define the optimal target when performing the gamma knife radiosurgery. Moreover, some authors have also evidenced that neurostimulation might represent an opportunity in TN refractory to other surgical treatments. The aim of this work was to review the recent literature about the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and medical and surgical treatments, and discuss the significant advances in all these fields.

Optimal duration of percutaneous microballoon compression for treatment of trigeminal nerve injury

Percutaneous microballoon compression of the trigeminal ganglion is a brand new operative technique for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. However, it is unclear how the procedure mediates pain relief, and there are no standardized criteria, such as compression pressure, compression time or balloon shape, for the procedure. In this study, percutaneous microballoon compression was performed on the rabbit trigeminal ganglion at a mean inflation pressure of 1,005 ± 150 mmHg for 2 or 5 minutes. At 1, 7 and 14 days after percutaneous microballoon compression, the large-diameter myelinated nerves displayed axonal swelling, rupture and demyelination under the electron microscope. Fragmentation of myelin and formation of digestion chambers were more evident after 5 minutes of compression. Image analyzer results showed that the diameter of trigeminal ganglion cells remained unaltered after compression. These experimental findings indicate that a 2-minute period of compression can suppress pain transduction. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that vascular endothelial growth factor expression in the ganglion cells and axons was significantly increased 7 days after trigeminal ganglion compression, however, the changes were similar after 2-minute compression and 5-minute compression. The upregulated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in the ganglion cells after percutaneous microballoon compression can promote the repair of the injured nerve. These findings suggest that long-term compression is ideal for patients with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia.

Microvascular decompression surgery: surgical principles and technical nuances based on 4000 cases

BACKGROUND

As an etiological treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and hemifacial spasm (HFS), microvascular decompression (MVD) has been popularized around the world. However, as a functional operation in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA), this process can be risky and the postoperative outcomes might not be good enough sometimes.

OBJECTIVE

In order to obtain a better result with less complication, this surgery should be further addressed.

METHODS

With experience of more than 4000 MVDs, we have gained knowledge about the operative technique. Through abundant intraoperative photos, each step of the procedure was demonstrated in detail and the surgical strategy was focused.

RESULTS

The principle of MVD is to separate the nerve-vessel confliction rather than isolate it with prostheses. A prompt identification of the conflict site is important, which hinges on a good exposure. A satisfactory working space can be established by an appropriate positioning of the patient's head and a proper craniectomy as well as a rational approach. A sharp dissection of arachnoids leads to a maximal visualization of the entire intracranial course of the nerve root. All the vessels contacting the trigeminal or facial nerve should be treated. Intraoperative electrophysiological mentoring is helpful to distinguish the offending artery for hemifacial cases.

CONCLUSION

MVD is an effective treatment for the patient with TN or HFS. Immediate relief can be achieved by an experienced neurosurgeon with good knowledge of regional anatomy. A safe surgery is the tenet of MVD, and accordingly, no single step of the procedure should be ignored.

Decreased Rate of CSF Leakage Associated with Complete Reconstruction of Suboccipital Cranial Defects

Background Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage represents a major source of morbidity following microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery. The objective of this study was to retrospectively assess whether complete versus incomplete reconstruction of the suboccipital cranial defect influences the incidence of CSF leakage following MVD. Methods We reviewed the charts of 100 patients who consecutively underwent MVD for trigeminal neuralgia by two attending neurosurgeons between July 2004 and April 2010. Operative variables including incomplete or complete calvarial reconstruction, primary dural closure or dural closure with adjunct, and use of lumbar drainage were recorded. The effect of complete calvarial reconstruction on the incidence of postoperative CSF leakage was examined using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results Of the 36 patients whose wound closure was reconstructed with a complete cranioplasty, 2 (5.6%) patients experienced a postoperative CSF leak. Of the 64 patients whose wound closure was augmented with an incomplete cranioplasty, 15 (23.4%) experienced a postoperative CSF leak. There was suggestive but inconclusive evidence that the risk of CSF leakage following MVD was smaller with complete reconstruction of calvarial defect than with incomplete reconstruction (two-sided p value = 0.059), after accounting for age, dural closure method, use of lumbar drainage, and previous MVD. Conclusion Complete reconstruction of the suboccipital cranial defect decreases the risk of CSF leakage.

Factors That Influence Outcome of Percutaneous Balloon Compression in the Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia

BACKGROUND:

Percutaneous balloon compression is an effective, low-cost, simple therapeutic modality with the special advantage of being the only percutaneous technique that can be simply performed with the patient under general anesthesia for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

OBJECTIVE:

To identify surgical and individual parameters that could influence outcome in patients with trigeminal neuralgia treated with percutaneous balloon compression.

METHODS:

Within a 5-year period, 66 consecutive percutaneous balloon compressions were performed in 47 patients. The medical and surgical records of all patients were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed for a possible correlation between the following parameters and outcome: balloon shape, balloon volume, compression time, age, sex, type of pain, duration of disease, previous procedures, and trigeminal division affected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to test for statistical significance.

RESULTS:

The initial success rate was 85%, and 36% of the responders are still pain free with a mean follow-up of approximately 20 months, whereas in 33 patients, trigeminal pain recurred after a mean of approximately 17 months. Of the investigated parameters, significant correlations were obtained between balloon shape and all aspects of outcome, previous operations and complication rate, pain type and complication rate, and compression time and postoperative numbness.

CONCLUSION:

The balloon shape is a parameter with a very strong impact on outcome, and balloon volume should be adjusted to this parameter. Persistent elliptical balloon shapes should raise consideration of aborting the procedure. There were no differences in outcomes between 60 seconds and longer compression times. The number of previous operations did not correlate with pain relief, but seemed to increase the risk of complications. Patients with multiple sclerosis seemed to obtain similar benefit from the procedure as do patients with classic trigeminal neuralgia.

Masseter muscle function after percutaneous balloon compression of trigeminal ganglion for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: a neurophysiological follow-up study

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate by longitudinal neurophysiological examinations the natural course of masseter muscle weakness that developed after percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) of the trigeminal ganglion for the treatment of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia.

METHODS

The affected side of 15 patients (mean age 69.5±4.5 years) who underwent unilateral PBC were studied before, 1 month, 6 months and 12 months after surgery by means of: (1) motor evoked potentials (MEPs) of the masseter muscle elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation of the contralateral motor cortex and of the ipsilateral trigeminal motor branch; and (2) concentric needle electromyography of masseter muscle.

RESULTS

The latencies of MEPs' to cortical and nerve stimulation became significantly prolonged 1 month after PBC, whereas, thereafter, they demonstrated a gradual shortening towards preoperative values. The interference electromyographic pattern 1 month post-PBC study was reduced in all patients, but it improved in follow-up, returning 12-months postoperatively to complete in 13 and nearly complete in two patients.

CONCLUSION

Masseter muscle weakness should be expected in all cases after PBC of the trigeminal ganglion.

SIGNIFICANCE

As verified by repeated studies, the results of which favoured a focal demyelination process of trigeminal motor branch, muscle dysfunction appears to be reversible over a period of 6-12 months.

Garlic burn in a patient with trigeminal neuralgia: a case report

Garlic is an herb which has been used by many cultures for treating various health problems for centuries. Uncontrolled use of herbal remedies, known as alternative treatment methods, may lead to side effects and serious treatment complications. This study aimed to draw attention to complications related to alternative treatment methods and to review the literature in the light of this case.A female patient who had been treated for trigeminal neuralgia was admitted to our clinic complaining of severe pain on the left side of her face. In anamnesis, the patient reported that she had applied garlic topically to this region. Extraoral examination revealed a broad cutaneous burn on the same region. According to a dermatology consultation, a treatment for cutaneous burns was applied and severe trigeminal neuralgia pain was eliminated with glycerol injection by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.