Efficacy of radiofrequency thermocoagulation on the third branch in trigeminal ganglion via fora-men ovale in the treatment of patients with trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgia syndrome

Abstract

Objective To analyze the efficacy of radiofrequency thermocoagulation on the third branch in trigeminal ganglion via foramen ovale in the treatment of patients with trigeminal and glossopha-ryngeal neuralgia syndrome. Methods Ten patients with trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgia syn-drome were received radiofrequency thermocoagulation (75 ℃, 180 s) on the third branch in trigeminal gan-glion, guided by CT 3D imaging via Hartel anterior approach. VAS was recorded and used to evaluate the ef-ficacy at 7 d, 1 month, 3 months and 7 months after the treatment. Results VAS was lowered significantly at each time point after the treatment than that before the treatment (P<0.05). The pain fully disappeared in 6 cases, relieved in 2 cases, and not obviously relief in 2 cases. The remission rate of pain was 80%. No seri-ous adverse reactions were seen in all patients. Conclusion Radiofrequency thermocoagulation on the third branch in trigeminal ganglion via foramen ovale is safe and effective in the treatment of patients with tri-geminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgia syndrome. Key words: Trigeminal neuralgia; Glossopharyngeal nerve diseases; Neuralgia; Radiofreguency thermocoagulation