Nerve Block, Pulsed RF Treatment, and Percutaneous Neurolysis for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Abstract

Trigeminal nerve block is performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal nerve block can be performed for trigeminal neuralgia as well as trigeminal nerve disorders such as postherpetic neuralgia of the trigeminal nerve and trigeminal nerve injury, anesthesia for facial surgery, and postoperative analgesia of the face. There are three major branches of the trigeminal nerve: the ophthalmic nerve (V1), maxillary nerve (V2), and mandibular nerve (V3). These three major branches are divided into several small branches. Although there are many peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve, the most commonly performed peripheral nerve blocks are the supraorbital, infraorbital, and mental nerve blocks. Recently, these three peripheral nerve blocks have been performed using ultrasound guidance.