Infratrochlear Research Articles

Effect of Infraorbital and/or Infratrochlear Nerve Blocks on Postoperative Care in Patients with Septorhinoplasty: A Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Through a comprehensive meta-analysis of the pertinent literature, this study evaluated the utility and efficacy of perioperative infraorbital and/or infratrochlear nerve blocks in reducing postoperative pain and related morbidities in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty. Materials and Methods: We reviewed studies retrieved from the PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases up to August 2023. The analysis included a selection of seven articles that compared a treatment group receiving perioperative infraorbital and/or infratrochlear nerve blocks with a control group that either received a placebo or no treatment. The evaluated outcomes covered parameters such as postoperative pain, the amount and frequency of analgesic medication administration, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, as well as the manifestation of emergence agitation. Results: The treatment group displayed a significant reduction in postoperative pain (mean difference = -1.7236 [-2.6825; -0.7646], I2 = 98.8%), as well as a significant decrease in both the amount (standardized mean difference = -2.4629 [-3.8042; -1.1216], I2 = 93.0%) and frequency (odds ratio = 0.3584 [0.1383; 0.9287], I2 = 59.7%) of analgesic medication use compared to the control. The incidence of emergence agitation (odds ratio = 0.2040 [0.0907; 0.4590], I2 = 0.0%) was notably lower in the treatment group. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (odds ratio = 0.5393 [0.1309; 2.2218], I2 = 60.4%) showed a trend towards reduction, although it was not statistically significant. While no adverse effects reaching statistical significance were reported in the analyzed studies, hematoma (proportional rate = 0.2133 [0.0905; 0.4250], I2 = 76.9%) and edema (proportional rate = 0.1935 [0.1048; 0.3296], I2 = 57.2%) after blocks appeared at rates of approximately 20%. Conclusions: Infraorbital and/or infratrochlear nerve blocks for septorhinoplasty effectively reduce postoperative pain and emergence agitation without notable adverse outcomes.

Comparative Analysis of Surgical Working Corridors for Meckel Cave Trigeminal Schwannomas: A Quantitative Anatomic Study.

Volumetric analysis of the working corridors of the interdural approach to the Meckel cave may lead to a selection of routes which are anatomically more advantageous for trigeminal schwannoma resection. The herein-reported anatomic study quantitively compares the infratrochlear (IT) transcavernous, anteromedial (AM), and anterolateral (AL) corridors, highlighting their feasibility, indications, advantages, and limitations. Anatomic boundaries and depth of Meckel cave, porus trigeminus, IT transcavernous, AM, and AL corridors were identified in 20 formalin-fixed latex-injected cadaveric heads and were subsequently measured. The corridor areas and volumes were derived accordingly. Each opening angle was also calculated. Angles and volumes were compared using analysis of variance. Statistical significance was set at a P -value <.05. The IT transcavernous corridor volume was greater than that of the AM and AL. The opening angle of the AM middle fossa triangle was wider than the other 2. The IT corridor can be advantageous for Meckel cave schwannomas invading the cavernous sinus and those with a notable extension into the posterior fossa because the transcavernous approach maximizes the working space into the retrosellar area. The AM middle fossa corridor is strategic in schwannomas confined to the Meckel cave with a minor extension into the posterior fossa. It raises the chance of total resection with a single approach involving the porus trigeminus opening.

Evaluation of frontal and infratrochlear nerve blocks for standing sedated frontonasal sinusotomy in horses.

To determine if targeted blocking of frontal and infratrochlear nerves provided anesthesia for the approach to a frontonasal sinusotomy. Two part study: Part 1 randomized crossover design; Part 2 proof of concept. N = 12; six each in Parts 1 and 2. Part 1: Each horse had either frontal and infratrochlear nerve blocks or a line block performed with 2% mepivacaine hydrochloride. Mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNT) were obtained at five sites along a proposed frontonasal sinusotomy prior to injection, and at 10, 60, and 120 min after blocking. After a 4 day washout period, the opposite procedure was performed. Order of procedure and side of face were randomized. MNTs were analyzed using mixed-model ANOVA with p < .05. Part 2: Frontal and infratrochlear nerve blocks were performed followed by creation of a skin/periosteal incision, which was closed at 2 h. Ability to create and suture the incision, and the size of the incision were recorded. For part 1, both line and targeted blocks resulted in at least two times an increase in median MNT values at each of the five sites, as compared to baseline MNT values (p < .0025). In Part 2, incisions could be completed in five of six horses, with median incision size of 6.5 × 5 cm. Following frontal and infratrochlear nerve blocks, MNTs were increased along a proposed frontonasal sinusotomy, and skin incisions could be created in the majority of horses. Frontal and infratrochlear nerve blocks provide an alternative technique to create a frontonasal sinusotomy.

Good anesthetic for good esthetic: Blocks in oculoplasty.

: A good anesthesia not only makes the patient comfortable during surgery, but also has a huge impact on the postoperative recovery. It also makes the operating surgeon carry out each step of the surgery precisely and beautifully. The art of giving a good local anesthesia is to be learnt and practiced not only by anesthetists, but also by the practicing ophthalmologists. : This video gives an overview of anatomy in terms of the nerve supply of the orbit, the surface marking, and the techniques of giving regional and nerve blocks. : In this video, we describe the anatomy, the surface marking, the technique of regional anesthesia including peribulbar, retrobulbar, and subtenon blocks and of nerve blocks, specifically of facial, frontal nerve and its branches, infraorbital, nasociliary, infratrochlear, and dorsal nasal nerves, with their application in ocular plastic surgery. : This video highlights the essence of providing appropriate and good anesthesia so that the surgeon works in an optimal field with maximum comfort to the patients. Video link https://youtu.be/h8EgTMQAsyE.

Cortisol and pain-related behavior in hot-iron disbudded goat kids sedated with xylazine and locally infiltrated with lidocaine

Disbudding induces intense pain-related behavioral and physiological responses in goat kids. Using only regional anesthesia may not be effective in ameliorating these responses. We determined the effect of xylazine-sedation with or without regional infiltration of lidocaine on behavior (tail movements, struggles, vocalizations) and plasma cortisol. Thirty-six goat kids were randomly assigned to six experimental groups (n = 6). The control group (Con) received no treatment at all. The control-disbudded group (ConD) was disbudded without sedative or anesthetic treatment. The control-xylazine (Cxyl) group received 0.05 mg/kg of intravenous xylazine and was not disbudded. Group XylD was administered intravenous xylazine and disbudded 3 minutes later. Group XLD was treated with xylazine as XylD, plus local administration of 1 mL of 2% lidocaine (Pisacaína, PiSA, México) to block the lacrimal and infratrochlear nerves 15 minutes before disbudding. In group Sim, the disbudding procedure was only simulated with no sedative, anesthesia, or disbudding. Disbudding was filmed to analyze behaviors, heart rate (HR) was recorded, and blood samples were taken before and after the procedure to measure cortisol. XylD and ConD kids showed higher cortisol levels than Con and XLD during the first 20 minutes after disbudding (P < 0.05). HR showed a significant increase in ConD kids and a significant decrease in xylazine-treated groups (P < 0.05). More vocalizations were recorded in ConD kids (18.5 ± 4; P < 0.05) and showed no difference compared with XylD animals (13.3 ± 4; P > 0.05). Both XylD and XLD kids displayed a lower total behavioral response than the ConD group (34.3 ± 9.9, 19.6 ± 9.9, and 70.0 ± 9.9, respectively; P < 0.05). In conclusion, thermal disbudding induces physiological and behavioral responses indicative of acute pain. Sedation with xylazine did not control these responses unless combined with a nerve block using local infiltration of 2% lidocaine.

Sensory Innervation of the Upper Eyelid and Its Implication for Upper Eyelid Surgery.

Sensory alterations of the upper eyelid skin and eyelashes are frequently encountered after upper eyelid surgery. The objective of this study was to provide information on the exact course and distribution of sensory nerve fibers through the anatomic planes in the upper eyelid. Ten formalin-fixed hemifaces were dissected. The nerve branches of the ophthalmic nerve in the upper eyelid were traced in an anterograde fashion. A total of 151 nerve fibers were recorded during dissection. The infratrochlear, supratrochlear, supraorbital, and lacrimal nerve contributed each to both the upper eyelid skin innervation and the upper eyelid rim plexus in different distribution patterns. The mean distance from the eyelid margin at which nerve fibers pierced from preseptal into the orbicularis muscle was 14 ± 1.1 mm for nerve fibers targeting the eyelid dermis and 3.7 ± 1.2 mm for nerve fibers targeting the eyelid rim plexus ( p < 0.001). The mean intraorbicular course of nerve fibers was 3 mm (0-17; standard deviation 4.1). The mean distance from the eyelid margin at which nerve fibers pierced from the orbicularis muscle into the preorbicular plane was 10 ± 1 mm for nerve fibers innervating the eyelid dermis and 1.3 ± 0.8 mm for nerve fibers innervating the eyelid rim plexus ( p < 0.001). The mean distance of the preorbicular course of nerve fibers was 2 mm (0-15; standard deviation 3.6). Based on the findings, a certain degree of postoperative eyelid skin numbness is inevitable while eyelash innervation may be spared in upper blepharoplasty.

EFFECTS OF BILATERAL INFRAORBITALAND INFRATROCHLEAR NERVE BLOCK ON EMERGENCE AGITATION AFTER SEPTORHINOPLASTY: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY

Aim: Emergence agitation is common after septorhinoplasty and postoperative pain is the main risk factor for this condition. Infraorbital and Infratrochlear nerve block have been reported to help pain management in patients after nasal surgical procedures under General Anaesthesia. Method: Our study was conducted randomly amongst sixty four pateints whose septorhinoplasty surgery was planned under general anaesthesia were included in study. Patients were randomly distributed to Group1(ION and ITN block) and Group2 (No block). Duration of surgery and anaesthesia, Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale(RSAS), EApresence, Duration of post-operative analgesia, Numerical rating scale(NRS) scores and cumulative Tramadol consumption were recorded. Result:Incidence of EAand NRS score of the patients in Group1 were statistically signicantly (p&lt;0.05) lower than the patients in Group2. In addition, total postoperative analgesia duration in Group1 was statistically signicantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than patients in Group2. Conclusion: Hence, management of Emergence agitation and Pain in early post-operative period after septorhinoplasty with bilateral ION and ITN block is a simple and efcient technique

Effect of infratrochlear nerve block on discharge readiness in patients undergoing strabismus surgery.

Effect of infratrochlear nerve block on discharge readiness in patients undergoing strabismus surgery.

Peripheral Neurectomy With Customized Nerve Reconstruction for Periorbital Neuropathic Pain: Initial Experience and Clinical Outcomes.

To describe a novel, minimally invasive surgical technique to treat severe, intractable periorbital neuropathic pain. A retrospective analysis of patients with severe, treatment-refractory periorbital pain who underwent transection of affected sensory trigeminal branches with nerve repair was performed. Collected data included etiology and duration of neuropathic pain, comorbidities, prior treatment history, surgical technique including site of transected sensory nerves and type of nerve repair, preoperative and postoperative pain scores as well as follow-up duration. Differences between preoperative and postoperative values were analyzed by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. A total of 5 patients with severe periorbital neuropathic pain underwent transection of affected supraorbital, supratrochlear, infratrochlear, infraorbital, zygomaticotemporal, and zygomaticofacial nerves with customized nerve reconstruction. All 5 had improvement of periorbital pain after surgery, with 3 (60%) noting complete resolution of pain and 2 (40%) experiencing partial pain relief over a median follow-up period of 9 months (interquartile range [IQR], 6-19 months). Of the 3 patients who had complete resolution of pain, all reported continued pain relief. Median McGill pain scores significantly decreased from 8.4 (IQR, 8.2-10.0) preoperatively to 0.0 (IQR, 0.0-4.8; p < 0.001) postoperatively. All patients reported satisfaction with the surgical procedure and stated that they would undergo the procedure again if given the option. One patient with history of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) had reactivation of herpes zoster at postoperative month 3, which was self-limited, without worsening of her neuropathic pain. Another patient with PHN required a staged procedure to achieve complete pain relief. Peripheral neurectomy with customized reconstruction of involved sensory nerves can successfully reduce and even eradicate periorbital neuropathic pain that was previously recalcitrant to combination pharmacotherapy and prior neurolysis procedures.

Craniofacial neuralgias.

While non-headache, non-oral craniofacial neuralgia is relatively rare in incidence and prevalence, it can result in debilitating pain. Understanding the relevant anatomy of peripheral branches of nerves, natural history, clinical presentation, and management strategies will help the clinician better diagnose and treat craniofacial neuralgias. This article will review the nerves responsible for neuropathic pain in periorbital, periauricular, and occipital regions, distinct from idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. The infratrochlear, supratrochlear, supraorbital, lacrimal, and infraorbital nerves mediate periorbital neuralgia. Periauricular neuralgia may involve the auriculotemporal nerve, the great auricular nerve, and the nervus intermedius. The greater occipital nerve, lesser occipital nerve, and third occipital nerve transmit occipital neuralgias. A wide range of treatment options exist, from modalities to surgery, and the evidence behind each is reviewed.

Effects of Adding a Combined Infraorbital and Infratrochlear Nerve Block to General Anaesthesia in Septorhinoplasty.

PurposeIn this study, we evaluated the hypothesis that preoperative bilateral infraoptic nerve (ION) and infratrochlear nerve (ITN) blocks under general anesthesia with sevoflurane and remifentanil reduced the incidence of emergence agitation (EA), pain scores, and the analgesic consumption after the septorhinoplasty.Patients and MethodsOur study was conducted as a prospective randomized, double-sided blind study. Fifty-two patients whose septorhinoplasty operation was planned under general anesthesia were included in the study. Patients were randomly distributed to either the ION and ITN blocks were performed. Group 1: Bilateral ION and ITN blocks were performed; Group 2: ION and ITN blocks were not performed. Duration of the surgery and anesthesia, Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale (RSAS) score, EA presence, duration of postoperative analgesia, numerical rating scale (NRS) scores, and cumulative dexketoprofen consumption were recorded.ResultsThe RSAS score, NRS score and cumulative dexketoprofen consumption of the patients in Group 1 were statistically significantly lower than the patients in Group 2 (p<0.05). It was also found that patients in Group 1 (n: 8/26) had less EA compared to patients in Group 2 (n: 16/26) and this difference was statistically significant (p: 0.026). Postoperative analgesia duration of patients in Group 1 was found to be statistically significantly higher than patients in Group 2 (p: <0.001). In addition, the number of patients given postoperative dexketoprofen in Group 1 (n: 8/26) was found to be statistically significantly lower than patients in Group 2 (n: 25/26). (p: <0.001).ConclusionBilateral ION and ITN blocks in septorhinoplasty operation is an effective, reliable and simple technique in the treatment of postoperative pain.

Nerve Block for Septorhinoplasty: A Retrospective Observational Study of Postoperative Complications in 24 Hours.

Septorhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that provides functional improvements and esthetic adjustments to the appearance of the nose. Pain is a common postoperative complication, and pain management is known to decrease postoperative complications and total cost. Local anesthetics can cost-effectively decrease postoperative pain scores and reduce analgesic requirements.The primary objective of this study was to assess the effect of bilateral facial nerve blocks given with general anesthesia on pain scores and the use of postoperative analgesia. The secondary objective was to compare the vital signs stability between a group given bilateral facial nerve blocks with general anesthesia and a group given general anesthesia only.We conducted a retrospective observational study among 40 patients who were divided into two groups, each containing 20 patients. The patients in the nerve block (NB) group received general anesthesia and bilateral facial blocks of the infraorbital and infratrochlear nerves via 5 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine with 5 ml of diluted adrenaline 1:100,000. Patients in the Control group received general anesthesia only. Both groups received the same local injection of a mixture of 5 ml of 1% lidocaine and 5 ml of 1:100,000 epinephrine at the surgical site, along with the standard general anesthesia. A numerical rating scale, the visual analog scale (VAS), was used to evaluate postoperative pain at 15, 30, and 45 minutes postoperatively, and the stability of the vital signs was also assessed.The results showed that using bilateral infraorbital and infratrochlear nerve block injection with 0.25% levobupivacaine for patients who underwent septorhinoplasty under general anesthesia provided greater stability of vital signs but had no effect on the pain score or analgesia need. Further assessment should be performed in a larger number of patients to either confirm or refute these results. Additional studies could be conducted in several hospitals within the Kingdom to determine how broadly applicable nerve blockade is in reducing pain sensation.

A Relationship Between the Supratrochlear Nerve and Trochlea: Anatomical Study and Application to Migraine Headaches.

Supratrochlear nerve (STN) is a terminal branch of the frontal nerve arising from the ophthalmic nerve (V1). Compression of the STN by adjacent structures might result in migraine headaches. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship of the STN and trochlea for a better understanding of potential entrapment of the STN. Nineteen orbits from ten fresh-frozen cadaveric heads were dissected. The relationship of the STN and the trochlea was classified into three types: In type I, the STN passed lateral to the trochlea; In type II, the STN passed through the trochlea; In type III, the STN passed medial to the trochlea. Type I was found in 52.6% (10/19 sides), type II was found in 42.1% (8/19 sides), and type III was seen in 3.4% (1/19 sides). In type III, both the STN and infratrochlear nerve were identified as separate branches. The authors propose a new classification of the pathway of the STN based on its relationship with the trochlea. This study might shed light on headaches emanating from this region.

Effects of Bilateral Infraorbital and Infratrochlear Nerve Block on Emergence Agitation after Septorhinoplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Emergence agitation is common after septorhinoplasty, and postoperative pain is the main risk factor for this condition. Infraorbital and infratrochlear nerve block have been reported to facilitate pain management in patients after nasal procedures. The effect of peripheral nerve block on the incidence of emergence agitation has not been evaluated. Sixty-six patients that were scheduled for septorhinoplasty were assigned to receive bilateral infraorbital and infratrochlear nerve block with either 8 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine (Block group) or isotonic saline (Sham Block group). The incidence of emergence agitation was evaluated using the Riker sedation-agitation scale. Analgesic consumption, hemodynamic parameters, postoperative pain scores, adverse events, and patient satisfaction with analgesia were evaluated. The incidence of emergence agitation was lower in the Block group than in the Sham Block group (6 (20.0%) versus 20 (62.5%), p = 0.002). The mean intraoperative remifentanil consumption was lower in the Block group than in the Sham Block group (0.074 ± 0.014 μg/kg/min. versus 0.093 ± 0.019 μg/kg/min., respectively, p < 0.0001), as was the proportion of patients that needed postoperative tramadol administration and median postoperative pain score at 0–2 h after surgery (9 (30.0%) versus 21 (65.6%), p = 0.011; 3.0 (2.0–4.0) versus 4.0 (3.0–4.0), p < 0.0001, respectively). Hemodynamic parameters and the incidence of adverse events were similar between the two groups. The median patient satisfaction score with respect to analgesia was higher in the Block group than in the Sham Block group (3.5 (3.0–4.0) versus 3.0 (3.0–4.0), respectively, p = 0.034). The preoperative bilateral infraorbital and infratrochlear nerve block decreased the incidence of emergence agitation after septorhinoplasty.

Painful Complications After Cosmetic Surgery: Management of Peripheral Nerve Injury.

Aesthetic procedures are among the most common surgeries performed by plastic surgeons. The prevalence of persistent pain remains unknown and underappreciated in the plastic surgery literature. The purpose of this article was to increase awareness of this problem while describing the diagnostic and management strategies for patients with postoperative pain after aesthetic plastic surgery. A literature review was performed utilizing the PubMed database to identify painful complications of brachioplasty, blepharoplasty, rhytidectomy, abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, mastopexy, and breast reduction. A treatment algorithm was described to guide plastic surgeons presented with patients reporting pain after aesthetic surgery. Title and abstract review followed by application of inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in 20 clinical studies for this review, including lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, iliohypogastric nerve, and intercostal nerves after abdominoplasty; median antebrachial cutaneous nerve after brachioplasty; supraorbital, supratrochlear, and infratrochlear nerves after blepharoplasty; greater auricular nerve, auriculotemporal nerve, and zygomaticofacial nerve after rhytidectomy; and intercostobrachial nerve after breast surgery. Neuromas can be the source of pain following aesthetic surgery. The same clinical and diagnostic approach used for upper and lower extremity neuroma pain can be employed in patients with persistent pain after aesthetic surgery.

Abstract: Microanatomy of Sensory Nerves in the Upper Eyelid: A Cadaveric Anatomical Study

BACKGROUND: Plastic surgery requires detailed knowledge of upper eyelid anatomy, but few authors have sufficiently described the specifics of upper eyelid nerve anatomy. This study aimed to provide a thorough description of sensory nerve anatomy in the upper eyelid and to propose considerations for upper eyelid surgery. METHODS: Sixteen orbits were dissected from sixteen fixed, adult human cadavers. Microscopically, we identified the main trunks of the infratrochlear, supratrochlear, and supraorbital nerves and all branches that projected toward the upper eyelid. The number, size, and distribution of nerve branches were recorded. RESULTS: The branches of the infratrochlear, supratrochlear, and supraorbital nerves covered a wide range in the upper eyelid. The mean numbers of branches/nerve were 1.6 ± 1.2, 3.2 ± 1.5, and 2.6 ± 1.4, respectively. The branches of the infratrochlear nerve were distributed throughout the medial area of the upper eyelid. Those of the supratrochlear nerve were distributed throughout the medial and central areas, and the palpebral branches of the supraorbital nerve were distributed throughout the central and lateral areas of the upper eyelid. The lateral branches of the supraorbital nerve and the cutaneous branches of the lacrimal nerve were distributed in the lateral region of the orbit. CONCLUSION: We show that upper eyelid sensation is transmitted mainly by the supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves, and we provide a map of the distribution of upper eyelid sensory nerves. This precise anatomical knowledge about upper eyelid sensory nerves will facilitate pain control and help minimize nerve injuries during surgery.

Effects of an infratrochlear nerve block on reducing the oculocardiac reflex during strabismus surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

To determine whether an infratrochlear nerve block (ITB) can reduce the oculocardiac reflex (OCR) during strabismus surgery on the medial rectus muscle (MR). This prospective, randomized single-masked study included 60 patients with intermittent exotropia scheduled for unilateral MR resection/lateral rectus recession under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated to receive a regional nerve block of the infratrochlear nerve (ITB group) prior to surgery or standard treatment without a nerve block (control group). The OCR was defined as a sudden decrease in heart rate of ≥ 15% from baseline. Changes in heart rate (HR) and the incidence of the OCR were measured during the three stages of surgery applied to the MR in each group: conjunctival incision, muscle dissection, and muscle traction. There were no intergroup differences in patient demographics or baseline HR. The mean HRs during conjunctival incision, muscle dissection, and muscle traction were 94, 90, and 96bpm, respectively, in the ITB group, and 85, 68, and 84bpm in the control group; the corresponding OCR incidence rates were 3, 20, and 10%; and 7, 87, and 38%. The HR was higher and the OCR incidence was lower in the ITB group than in the control group during muscle dissection and traction (all p < 0.05). An ITB maintains a stable HR and reduces the OCR during surgery on the MR. The ITB is less invasive and easily accessible to a surgeon, and can help improve the safety of strabismus surgery.

Sensory Innervation of the Upper Eyelid.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the sensory territory of the trigeminal nerve on the upper eyelid.Eight hemifaces from Korean cadavers were dissected. The frontal nerve (FN), supraorbital nerve (SON), supratrochlear nerve (STN), infratrochlear nerve (ITN), and lacrimal nerve (LN) were traced.The terminal branches to the eyelid margin of FN were distributed between 1/6 and 2/5 of the palpebral fissure width lateral to the medial canthus and 1/6 of the eyebrow height from eyelid margin. The SON was distributed between 2/5 and 9/10 of the eye width lateral to the medial canthus, at 1/3 of the eyebrow height. The STN was distributed between -1/4 and -1/5 of the eye width medial to the medial canthus, at 1/5 of the eyebrow height. The ITN was distributed at -1/4 and 1/10 of the eye width medial to the medial canthus, and at 1/5 of the eyebrow height. The LN was distributed between approximately 3/5 and 13/10 of the eye width lateral to the medial canthus, and at 1/4 of the eyebrow height. The main branches of FN and SON ran deep to the orbicularis from the supraorbital notch to the upper border of the tarsal plate. In the pretarsal area, they were between the orbicularis and tarsal plate. The STN and ITN were between the orbicularis and the skin. The LN was observed between the orbicularis and the tarsal plate.Upper eyelid was mainly supplied by SON and FN. The medial extremity was supplied by STN and ITN, and the lateral extremity by LN.

Infratrochlear neuralgia: A prospective series of seven patients treated with infratrochlear nerve blocks

Background Infratrochlear neuralgia is a recently described painful cranial neuropathy that causes pain in the internal angle of the orbit and the medial upper eyelid, the upper bridge of the nose and/or the lacrimal caruncle. We aim to present seven new cases of infratrochlear neuralgia treated with anaesthetic nerve blocks. Methods Over an 18-month period, we prospectively identified seven cases of infratrochlear neuralgia among the patients attending the Headache Unit in a tertiary hospital. Anaesthetic blocks were performed by injecting 0.5 cc of bupivacaine 0.5% at the emergence of the nerve above the internal canthus. Results All patients were women, and the mean age was 49.1 years (standard deviation, 17.9). The pain appeared at the internal angle of the orbit and/or the medial upper eyelid in six cases, and the whole territory of the infratrochlear nerve in one case. Six patients had continuous pain and one had episodes lasting 8-24 hours. All patients showed sensory disturbances within the painful area and tenderness upon palpation of the infratrochlear nerve. Nerve blocks resulted in complete and long-lasting relief in four patients and short-lasting relief in the other three patients. Conclusions Infratrochlear neuralgia should be considered among the neuralgic causes of orbital and periorbital pain. Anaesthetic blocks may assist clinicians in the diagnosis and may also be an effective therapy.

Ophthalmic branch radiofrequency thermocoagulation for atypical trigeminal neuralgia:a case report.

BackgroundTrigeminal neuralgia is an intense neuralgia involving facial areas supplied by trigeminal nerve. The pain is characterized by sudden onset, short persistence, sharp or lancinating. Trigeminal neuralgia commonly affects frontal areas, infraorbital or paranasal areas, mandibular areas and teeth. While Trigeminal neuralgia affecting merely the upper eyelid is rare. Here we report a case of atypical Trigeminal neuralgia confined to the upper eyelid. The patient was pain free during the follow-up period of 6 months after unusual ophthalmic branch radiofrequency thermocoagulation.Case presentationA 55-year-old female patient was diagnosed as primary trigeminal neuralgia involving the right upper eyelid. As the pain could not be controlled by drug therapy, peripheral nerve branch radiofrequency thermocoagulation was recommended. A combination of infratrochlear, supratrochlear and lacrimal radiofrequency thermocoagulation was implemented in this case. The point where the bridge of the nose abuts the supraorbital ridge and the point slightly above the lateral canthus along outer border of the orbit were selected respectively as the puncture sites. After positive diagnostic test, radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the above-mentioned nerve branches was performed respectively. The patient was pain free immediately after the treatment and during the follow-up period of 6 months.DiscussionTrigeminal neuralgia is a common severe and chronic facial neuralgia which requires accurate diagnosis and effective therapy. With typical clinical symptoms, normal neurological signs, normal CT and MRI findings, the patient was diagnosed as classic trigeminal neuralgia. As the patient was drug resistant, some invasive treatments were considered. Peripheral branch neurolysis was chosen for its minimal invasiveness, convenience, low risk and not affecting further invasive treatments. According to the anatomic data and the diagnostic test results, infratrochlear, supratrochlear and lacrimal nerve were responsible, therefore, an unusual combination of infratrochlear, supratrochlear, and lacrimal radiofrequency thermocoagulation was implemented for this patient.ConclusionsRadiofrequency thermocoagulation is an effective treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia. Peripheral branch radiofrequency thermocoagulation for trigeminal neuralgia should be considered preferentially due to its minimal invasiveness and convenience. Furthermore, as the sensory innervation of the upper eyelid is complex, the knowledge of peripheral distribution of trigeminal nerve is essential.