Assess the effects of different relationships between the root of trigeminal nerve and surrounding vasculars on gamma knife radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia

Abstract

Objective To assess the different trigeminal nerve-blood vessel relationships and its effect on pain relief after gamma knife radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia. Methods Review 82 patients treated during January 2004 and January2009, basing on MRI, analyzing trigeminal nerve-blood vessel anatomica relationships and its effects on pain relief. Results All patients had been followed up from 6 to 18 months, median follow-up was 12.5 months., according to Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI)pain scale, success results were achieved in 85.4% patients (no touch89.7%, suspicious touch 86.4%, certained touch78.9%, pushing81.8% ) ,recurrence 9.7%. Conclusion The different trigeminal nerve-blood vessel relationships have no stastical significant on pain relief.Recurrence rate in pushing is higher than the other categories. Gamma knife radiosurgery treatment for classic trigeminal neuralgia is safe and effective, the father effects need faraway research. Key words: Primary trigeminal neuralgia; Gamma knife Treatment; Effects