Abstract
The purpose of this study is to compare the quality of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) treatment plans with and without utilizing sector blocking. Twelve patients with 13 cases of TN were evaluated in this retrospective study. Identical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contour sets and prescription doses used in treatments were reused for all plans. Treatment plans were compared on the basis of the amount of dose received by critical structures (i.e., brainstem, ipsilateral temporal lobe, optic chiasm, optic nerves, cochlea) and the estimated total treatment time. The use of sector blocking resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the radiation dose to the brainstem but increased doses to the cerebellum and temporal lobe regions. The magnitude of these differences was small and individual patient anatomy specific. The use of sector blocking also resulted in a statistically significant increase in the treatment time. The magnitude of the change in treatment time was dependent on the number of sectors blocked. Our study suggests some potential benefits, as well as disadvantages, to the use of sector blocking in the treatment of TN. Treatment decision needs to be individualized based on the patient's anatomy and overall condition.
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