MS-related Trigeminal Neuralgia Research Articles

Outcomes of cyberknife radiosurgery for treatment of multiple sclerosis related trigeminal neuralgia

Outcomes of cyberknife radiosurgery for treatment of multiple sclerosis related trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia in multiple sclerosis: Association with demyelination and progression.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a well-recognized symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), yet its clinical characteristics related to MS subtype is poorly studied. Our aim was to evaluate whether development and clinical outcome of TN are influenced by MS phenotype. In this retrospective cohort study, our database from 2007 to 2022 was reviewed to identify patients who had both the diagnosis of MS and TN, whether TN was an initial symptom of MS or developed later in diagnosis. A detailed medical history and treatment outcome was obtained. Pain status was assessed retrospectively using the Barrow Neurological Institute Pain Scale (BNI-PS), with BNI-PS I-III considered as good pain control and BNI-PS IV-V as poor pain control. 58 patients had MS-related TN. 44 patients had relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) at the time of TN diagnosis, 11 had secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) at the time of TN diagnosis, and type of MS was not clear in 3 patients at the time of TN diagnosis (either RRMS or SPMS). Over a mean follow up of 18.8 (SD=10.9) years, 30 transitioned to SPMS. TN was refractory to medical management in 9 RRMS and 22 SPMS patients (p=0.001). TN patients with RRMS required lower median number of pain medications compared to SPMS (p=0.014). Brain MRI was available in 41 of the entire cohort. Of these, 27 patients had demyelinating lesions in the trigeminal sensory pathway and 14 did not. Patients with existing lesions had a higher chance of failure of medical management (74% versus 36%, p=0.017) and required surgical intervention (55% versus 7%, p=0.003). TN was not seen in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). In patients who transitioned to SPMS, TN was more likely to be refractory to medical management. TN was more refractory in the presence of demyelinating plaque involving trigeminal sensory pathway.

Multiple Sclerosis Related Trigeminal Neuralgia – Clinical Characteristics, MRI Correlates and Treatment Outcomes (P12-3.015)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To describe the clinical characteristics, MRI correlates, and treatment outcomes of the University of Utah Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patient population with Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN). <h3>Background:</h3> MS related TN is known to be a challenge to effectively treat and is a major cause of debility for these patients. Despite its impact on quality of life, clinical features and management strategies specific to TN secondary to MS are limited. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> A prospective review was conducted of patients within the University of Utah Healthcare system who met the following criteria: (1) clinically definite MS (McDonald 2017) (2) met American Academy of Neurology ‘s (AAN) diagnostic criteria for TN (3) were seen at University of Utah MS clinic between the dates of 1/2017 and 9/2022. TN pain was assessed with a questionnaire to determine pain characteristics and severity over time. MRI brain and cervical spine were evaluated for relevant lesions. Treatment (including both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic) along with outcomes were monitored. <h3>Results:</h3> Fourteen MS patients met inclusion criteria, (11 female, 3 male) with average age being 65 years old. The neurogenic pain quality was electric (10), burning (6), tingling (5), and pins/needles sensation (5) with average severity of 6. Sensory deficits in cranial nerve V (CNV) distribution were noted in 6 patients. Imaging studies were available for 13 patients. Demyelinating lesions were identified in brainstem and CN V (8), dorsolateral upper cervical cord (6), or both brainstem and cord (4). Most patients were treated with oxcarbazepine followed by gabapentin with 1 patient benefiting from 2 gamma knife procedures. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> MS patients with TN experienced neurogenic pain of multiple types and high severity. MRI correlates of TN in brainstem or cervical cord were frequently observed. Pharmacological interventions, especially oxcarbazepine and gabapentin were frequently beneficial. Further evaluation of gamma knife procedure in MS related TN should be investigated. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Germaine has nothing to disclose. Mrs. Steiner has nothing to disclose. The institution of Dr. Rose has received research support from National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The institution of Dr. Rose has received research support from Guthy Jackson Charitable Foundation. The institution of Dr. Rose has received research support from NIH . The institution of Dr. Rose has received research support from VA. The institution of Dr. Rose has received research support from Biogen. The institution of Dr. Rose has received research support from Friends of MS. Dr. Rose has received intellectual property interests from a discovery or technology relating to health care.

Percutaneous Rhizotomy of the Gasserian Ganglion in Patients With Mass Lesion-Associated Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Case Series.

Patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) secondary to mass lesions are typically treated by directly addressing the underlying pathology. In cases of TN not alleviated by treatment of the pathology, percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) and glycerol rhizotomy (Gly) are simple and effective ways to alleviate pain. However, there is limited literature on the use of these techniques for patients with TN caused by mass lesions. To describe the use of PBC/Gly to treat mass lesion-related TN. We report a retrospective, single-institution, descriptive case series of patients who presented with TN secondary to tumor or mass-like inflammatory lesion from 1999 to 2021. Patients with primary, idiopathic, or multiple sclerosis-related TN were excluded. Outcomes included Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity and hypesthesia scores, pain persistence, and postoperative complications. A total of 459 procedures were identified, of which 16 patients met the inclusion criterion (14 PBC and 2 Gly). Of the 15 patients with tumors, 12 had TN pain despite prior tumor-targeted radiation. Short-term (<3 months) BNI pain intensity improvement occurred in 15 (93.8%) patients. The mean follow-up was 54.4 months. Thirteen (81.3%) patients were pain-free (Barrow Neurological Institute pain intensity scale: IIIa-50%; I-25.0%; II-6.3%) for a mean of 23.8 (range 1-137) months. Ten patients (62.5%) had pain relief for ≥6 months from first procedure. New facial numbness developed immediately postprocedure in 8 (50%) patients. Transient, partial abducens nerve palsy occurred in 1 patient. PBC/Gly is an effective option for medically refractory TN in patients with mass-associated TN and is a viable option for repeat treatment.

Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia Secondary to Multiple Sclerosis: A Case-Control Study.

The efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for the relief of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is well established. Much less is known, however, about the benefit of SRS for multiple sclerosis (MS)-related TN (MS-TN). To compare outcomes in patients who underwent SRS for MS-TN vs classical/idiopathic TN and identify relative risk factors for failure. We conducted a retrospective, case-control study of patients who underwent Gamma Knife radiosurgery at our center for MS-TN between October 2004 and November 2017. Cases were matched 1:1 to controls using a propensity score predicting MS probability using pretreatment variables. The final cohort consisted of 154 patients (77 cases and 77 controls). Baseline demographics, pain characteristics, and MRI features were collected before treatment. Pain evolution and complications were obtained at follow-up. Outcomes were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meir estimator and Cox regressions. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups with regards to initial pain relief (modified Barrow National Institute IIIa or less), which was achieved in 77% of patients with MS and 69% of controls. In responders, 78% of patients with MS and 52% of controls eventually had recurrence. Pain recurred earlier in patients with MS (29 months) than in controls (75 months). Complications were similarly distributed in each group and consisted, in the MS group, of 3% of new bothersome facial hypoesthesia and 1% of new dysesthesia. SRS is a safe and effective modality to achieve pain freedom in MS-TN. However, pain relief is significantly less durable than in matched controls without MS.

Treatment of multiple sclerosis-related trigeminal neuralgia with onabotulinumtoxinA.

The effectiveness of onabotulinumtoxinA (BTX-A) has been established in primary trigeminal neuralgia (TN). However, to the best of our knowledge, the efficacy of BTX-A in secondary TN has not yet been studied. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of BTX-A treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis-related trigeminal neuralgia (TN-MS) and compare the efficacy of BTX-A treatment between patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia (TN-P) and patients with TN-MS. This was a retrospective medical record-review study. Demographic and clinical features and severity and frequency of pain before and 2 weeks after the BTX-A administration were extracted from the patient files. BTX-A was injected into the painful area subcutaneously and/or submucosally. BTX-A injections were performed by the same physician using the same methods. A reduction in severity and/or frequency of pain ≥50% was considered therapeutic efficacy. Fifty-three patients were included in this study. We classified 22 (42%) as TN-P and 31 (58%) as TN-MS. Treatment with BTX-A was effective in 16 of 31 (52%) patients with TN-MS and 10 of 22 (45%) with TN-P. BTX-A treatment was less effective in patients with a history of interventional treatments and more effective in patients with concomitant continuous pain (p=0.007; odds ratio [OR]: 0.020-0.53 and p=0.047; OR: 0.046-0.98, respectively). The BTX-A treatment was found to be effective in at least half of our cohort with TN-MS. Concomitant continuous pain and history of interventional treatments to the trigeminal nerve or ganglion might be predictive factors for the efficacy of BTX-A treatment.

The Long-Term Outcome of Radiofrequency Ablation in Multiple Sclerosis-Related Symptomatic Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Radiofrequency lesioning (RFL) is used to surgically manage trigeminal neuralgia (TN) secondary to multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the long-term outcome of RFL has not been established. To investigate the long-term clinical outcome of RFL in MS-related TN (symptomatic trigeminal neuralgia [STN]). During a 23-yr period, institutional data were available for 51 patients with STN who underwent at least one RFL procedure to treat facial pain. Patient outcome was evaluated at a mean follow-up of 69 mo (95% confidence interval; range 52-86 mo). No pain with no medication (NPNM) was the primary long-term outcome measure. After an initial RFL procedure, immediate pain relief was achieved in 50 patients (98%), and NPNM as assessed at 1, 3, and 6 yr was 86%, 52%, and 22%, respectively. At the last clinical visit after an initial RFL, 23 patients (45%) with pain recurrence underwent repeat RFL; NPNM at 1, 3, and 6 yr after a repeat RFL was 85%, 58%, and 32%, respectively. There was no difference in pain outcome after an initial and repeat RFL ( P = .77). Ten patients with pain recurrence underwent additional RFL procedures. Two patients developed mastication muscle weakness, one patient experienced a corneal abrasion, which resolved with early ophthalmological interventions, and one patient experienced bothersome numbness. RFL achieves NPNM status in STN and can be repeated with similar efficacy.

Association between Trigeminal Neuralgia and Multiple Sclerosis: Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a severe neuropathic unilateral facial pain affecting about 30% percent of the world population. Neuropathic pains are considered to be associated with multiple sclerosis (MS).Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition causing demyelination and degeneration of axons in central nervous system. Objective: The objective of the study is to determine role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging to find association between trigeminal neuralgia and multiple sclerosis. Methods: The prospective cohort study was conducted for six months in Radiology Department of Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar from September 2020 to February 2021. Initially 250 patients were screened for multiple sclerosis. The study recruited a total of 35 patients of MS visited neuroradiology department, out of which 26 patients were enrolled in the study. The participants with age of 18 years and onward of both genders with definitive symptoms of TN with MS that is having unilateral TN pain (that is sharp shooting electric pulse like) lasting for up-to 2minutes precipitated with an environmental stimulus were included in the study. The patients (n=6) with bilateral MS with TN and cognitive disturbances (n=3) were excluded from the study. Results: The study recruited a total of 26 participants with MS related TN. The clinical examination didn’t show any difference between the three groups with the p-value less than 0.001. Age at the onset of MS was younger in patients with MS related sensory disturbances compared to other two groups, with p-value less than 0.05. The frequency of the affected side was different in all three groups with the p-value less than 0.05 as tested by Fischer exact test. Trigeminal reflex tests done for different components such as R1 and SP1 showed longer latency periods for the affected side after stimulation and unaffected side after stimulation with the mean of 14.2± 4.4 and 15.3±3.2, 16.3±4.2 and 17.4±5.2ms and p-value less than 0.001 as shown by Wilcoxon test. Conclusion: The study showed significant association between trigeminal neuralgia and multiple sclerosis with the greater efficacy of using MRI as imaging technique to find this association. Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Trigeminal neuralgia

A multicenter survey on access to care in Multiple Sclerosis-related trigeminal neuralgia

The prevalence of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is higher than in the general population and its management can be particularly challenging due to a number of reasons including high recurrence rates, lack of MS-specific treatment guidelines and uncertainties about pain pathophysiology.Aim of this cross-sectional, multicentre survey was to gather information on the current treatment modalities and options of MS-related TN across 23 Italian MS centres.Initial medical management (carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine) of MS-related TN was fairly homogeneous throughout Italian centres. The most commonly available surgical procedure was microvascular decompression, but the frequency and types of surgical procedures available locally differed considerably throughout MS centers, and were unavailable in one quarter of them.This survey reveals some of the issues that could hamper an optimal patient management and underlines the need for a consensus on MS-related TN to support health-care professionals in their approach to this challenging condition and to facilitate the development of local guidelines aimed at ensuring equity in access to care and treatment optimization.

Efficacy of Gamma Knife radiosurgery in the management of multiple sclerosis-related trigeminal neuralgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is the most frequent craniofacial pain condition, which commonly affects patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS). Stereotactic radiosurgery, especially Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS), represents a safe and effective treatment for TN, and it has been adopted also for MS-TN, with a lower success rate. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the outcome of GKRS for MS-TN. PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar and the reference list of relevant articles were searched for GKRS in MS-TN. Two investigators independently identified the articles, assessed the study quality, and extracted the data. Endpoints of interest were initial pain responders, successful treatments at the end of follow-up, and factors influencing the outcome. Data analyses were performed using R software. Twelve articles involving 646 patients met our inclusion criteria. Pooled proportion of patients who experienced an initial response to GKRS treatment was 83% (CI 74-90%). The cumulative proportion of successful treatments at the end of follow-up was 47% (CI 33-60%). No variables were found to have a significant contribution to heterogeneity regarding the initial response outcome. The only variable significantly explaining the heterogeneity found in the proportion of successful treatments was the length of the follow-up, with a negative b coefficient (- 0.0051, p value = 0.0047). Regarding the efficacy of GKRS in MS-TN, the initial pain response rate was 83%, which dramatically decreases to 47% during follow-up. GKRS still represents a valuable option for MS-TN; however, its long-term efficacy should be always considered.

Does Integral Dose Relate to Pain Response and Toxicity in Multiple Sclerosis-Related Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Does Integral Dose Relate to Pain Response and Toxicity in Multiple Sclerosis-Related Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Microvascular decompression in patients with trigeminal neuralgia and multiple sclerosis: results and analysis of possible prognostic factors.

We evaluated the results of microvascular decompression (MVD) in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and multiple sclerosis (MS) and we studied the role of several clinical and surgical factors as possible prognosticators of good outcome. To do this we performed, to our knowledge, the first literature review with a pooled analysis of data. A PubMed search of literature was conducted using the following terms: "microvascular decompression", "trigeminal neuralgia" and "multiple sclerosis". We screened 64 articles. Of them, 7 studies were eligible for this review. As outcome indicators we used the acute pain relief (APR) and the recurrence of pain. An APR was obtained in 71.42% and a recurrence of pain was reported in 26.00% of cases, respectively. At univariate analysis, younger age at surgery (p = 0.0419) and performing MVD as the first treatment (p = 0.0384) were associated to a higher probability of APR. The evidence of an MRI brainstem lesion related to the TN (p = 0.0482) was associated to a lower probability to obtain an APR after MVD. None of the evaluated factors affect the probability of recurrence of pain. At multivariate analysis the evidence of a brainstem MRI lesion related to the TN emerged as a negative prognosticator of APR (p = 0.0169). Our literature pooled analysis showed that MVD is effective in treating patients with MS-related TN. The evidence on MRI of a demyelinating plaque related to the TN is associated with a worse response to MVD. These data could suggest that MVD would be indicated mainly in patients without brainstem MRI lesions.

Characteristics and treatment of Multiple Sclerosis-related trigeminal neuralgia: An Italian multi-centre study

BackgroundThe prevalence of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients is higher than in the general population and its management can be particularly challenging. Our aim is to describe the characteristics, treatment and prognostic factors of MS-related TN in a retrospective multicentre study. MethodsNeurologists members of the RIREMS group (Rising Researchers in MS) enrolled MS patients with a TN diagnosis and filled out a spreadsheet comprising their clinical data. ResultsPopulation consisted of 298 patients. First-choice preventive treatments were carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine. A surgical procedure was performed in 81 (30%) patients, most commonly gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery (37%), followed by microvascular decompression (22%) and radiofrequency thermocoagulation (21%); one third of patients underwent at least two procedures. Surgery was associated with higher disability, male sex and longer interval between MS and TN onset. Patients (77%) who stayed on at least one preventive medication at most recent follow-up, after a mean period of 8 years, had a higher disability compared to the untreated group. Furthermore, patients with higher disability at TN onset were less likely to discontinue their first preventive medication due to pain remission, had bilateral TN more frequently and underwent surgical interventions earlier. ConclusionMS patients with a higher disability at TN onset and with a longer interval between MS and TN onset had differing clinical features and outcomes: pain was more frequently bilateral, surgery was more frequent and anticipated, and preventive medication discontinuation due to pain remission was less common.

The Effectiveness of Percutaneous Balloon Compression, Thermocoagulation, and Glycerol Rhizolysis for Trigeminal Neuralgia in Multiple Sclerosis

Balloon compression (BC), thermocoagulation (TC), and glycerol rhizolysis (GR) are percutaneous surgical options for trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Whether the outcomes of these procedures in multiple sclerosis -related TN (MS-TN) are as effective as in idiopathic TN (ITN) is unknown. To retrospectively compare pain relief, complications, and durability achieved by these 3 types of procedures in MS-TN and ITN. Two hundred and four patients with typical TN were treated percutaneously: 33 had MS-TN (64 procedures) and 171 had ITN (329 procedures). All were performed by 1 of 2 neurosurgeons; interviews enabled long-term data to be gathered by an independent observer. MS-TN patients (53.1%) had Barrow Neurological Institute pain scores of I or II after a percutaneous procedure, compared with 59.3% in the ITN cohort; there was no difference in initial relief between the 2 groups overall (P=.52). There was a trend toward fewer complications in MS-TN compared with ITN (23.4% vs 33.7%, respectively; P=.058). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated no difference in durability of relief in MS-TN (median 23.0 mo) compared with ITN overall (median 24.0 mo; P=.75). Subgroup analysis demonstrated longer relief from BC and TC compared with GR in MS-TN (P=.013). Multivariate analysis confirmed that although the presence of MS does not predict durability of outcome, postoperative numbness (P=.0046) and undergoing a repeat procedure (P=.037) were significant predictors. BC and TC are safe and effective in MS-TN. Postoperative numbness is the strongest prognostic factor in MS-TN.

Letter to the Editor. The unmet needs for prognostication of long-term outcomes in multiple sclerosis-related trigeminal neuralgia radiosurgery.

Letter to the Editor. The unmet needs for prognostication of long-term outcomes in multiple sclerosis-related trigeminal neuralgia radiosurgery.

Possible Prognostic Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia and Multiple Sclerosis Who Underwent Percutaneous Balloon Compression: Report of Our Series and Literature Review

We studied the correlation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings with the prognosis of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)-related trigeminal neuralgia (TN) who had undergone percutaneous balloon compression (PBC). To the best of our knowledge, no studies have previously reported on this topic. We also performed a review of pertinent studies. From a surgical series of 82 patients with TN who had undergone PBC from January 2013 to June 2017, we identified 16 patients with MS (mean age, 54.81 ± 8.51 years; mean follow-up, 38.12 ± 19.86 months). Using brain MRI, we evaluated the presence of a lesion in the trigeminal nerve root entry zone and trigeminal nuclei. With other clinical and procedure-related factors, we studied its effect on acute pain relief (pain free at hospital discharge) and pain-free survival (PFS). Of the 16 patients, 15 (93.75%) reported acute pain relief; 8 patients (50.00%) experienced a recurrence of pain. At the latest follow-up visit, an excellent outcome (Barrow Neurological Institute grade 1-2) was obtained for 75% of patients and a good outcome (Barrow Neurological Institute grade 3) for 25%. No patient experienced uncontrolled pain. The presence of a pear-like balloon shape during surgery (P= 0.0053) and a MRI detectable lesion in the trigeminal pathway (P= 0.049) were associated with greater PFS. PBC can be efficient in treating MS-related TN. Some factors, such as a pear-like balloon shape during surgery and evidence of a MRI-detectable lesion in the trigeminal pathway were associated with longer PFS.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Multicenter Study.

Facial pain response (PR) to various surgical interventions in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)-related trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is much less optimal. No large patient series regarding stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been published. To evaluate the clinical outcomes of MS-related TN treated with SRS. This is a retrospective cohort study. A total of 263 patients contributed by 9 member tertiary referral Gamma Knife centers (2 in Canada and 7 in USA) of the International Gamma Knife Research Consortium (IGKRF) constituted this study. The median latency period of PR after SRS was 1 mo. Reasonable pain control (Barrow Neurological Institute [BNI] Pain Scores I-IIIb) was achieved in 232 patients (88.2%). The median maintenance period from SRS was 14.1 months (range, 10 days to 10 years). The actuarial reasonable pain control maintenance rates at 1 yr, 2 yr, and 4 yr were 54%, 35%, and 24%, respectively. There was a correlation between the status of achieving BNI-I and the maintenance of facial pain recurrence-free rate. The median recurrence-free rate was 36 mo and 12.2 mo in patients achieving BNI-I and BNI > I, respectively (P = .046). Among 210 patients with known status of post-SRS complications, the new-onset of facial numbness (BNI-I or II) after SRS occurred in 21 patients (10%). In this largest series SRS offers a reasonable benefit to risk profile for patients who have exhausted medical management. More favorable initial response to SRS may predict a long-lasting pain control.

Radiosurgery for multiple sclerosis-related trigeminal neuralgia: retrospective review of long-term outcomes.

The objective of this study was to assess long-term outcomes of facial pain and numbness after radiosurgery for multiple sclerosis (MS)-related trigeminal neuralgia (MS-TN). The authors conducted a retrospective review of their Gamma Knife radiosurgeries (GKRSs) to identify all patients treated for MS-TN (1998-2014) with at least 3 years of follow-up. Treatment and clinical data were obtained via chart review and mailed or telephone surveys. Pain control was defined as a facial pain score of I-IIIb on the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) Facial Pain Intensity Scale. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to determine the rates of pain control after index and first salvage GKRS procedures. Patients could have had more than 1 salvage procedure. Pain control rates were based on the number of patients at risk during follow-up. Of the 50 living patients who underwent GKRS, 42 responded to surveys (31 women [74%], median age 59 years, range 32-76 years). During the initial GKRS, the trigeminal nerve root entry zone was targeted with a single isocenter, using a 4-mm collimator with the 90% isodose line completely covering the trigeminal nerve and the 50% isodose line abutting the surface of the brainstem. The median maximum radiation dose was 85 Gy (range 50-85 Gy). The median follow-up period was 78 months (range 36-226 months). The rate of pain control after the index GKRS (n = 42) was 62%, 29%, 22%, and 13% at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years, respectively. Twenty-eight patients (67%) underwent salvage treatment, including 25 (60%) whose first salvage treatment was GKRS. The rate of pain control after the first salvage GKRS (n = 25) was 84%, 50%, 44%, and 17% at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years, respectively. The rate of pain control after the index GKRS with or without 1 salvage GKRS (n = 33) was 92%, 72%, 52%, 46%, and 17% at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years, respectively. At last follow-up, 9 (21%) of the 42 patients had BNI grade I facial pain, 35 (83%) had achieved pain control, and 4 (10%) had BNI grade IV facial numbness (very bothersome in daily life). Index GKRS offers good short-term pain control for MS-TN, but long-term pain control is uncommon. If the index GKRS fails, salvage GKRS appears to offer beneficial pain control with low rates of bothersome facial numbness.

P.023 Clinical and patient satisfaction outcomes after partial sensory rhizotomy for refractory trigeminal neuralgia among MS patients

Background: MS related trigeminal neuralgia (MS-TN) is associated with high recurrence and retreatment rates. Optimal treatment and role for partial sensory rhizotomy (PSR) for MS-TN remains to be determined. Methods: We analyzed time to treatment failure (TTF) after PSR (n=14) versus other prior procedures (n=53) among 12 consecutively treated MS-TN patients. Kaplan-Meier curves and Log-Rank tests were utilized to compare BNI pain scores and TTF after PSR vs prior procedures using the same patient cohort as their own control group. Subsequent analysis compared TTF after PSR to other procedures (n=93) among a second cohort of 18 MS-TN patients not undergoing PSR. Results: TTF was significantly longer after PSR compared to prior procedures among the PSR cohort (p&lt;0.0001) with median TTF of 79 vs 10 months respectively. Similarly, there was a longer TTF after PSR compared to prior procedures among the MS-TN cohort with median TTF 79 vs 16 months respectively (p&lt;0.001). PSR resulted in a higher proportion of excellent pain scores when compared to prior procedures in the MS-TN cohort (77% vs 29%, p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: TTF was significantly longer following partial sensory rhizotomy compared to other prior procedures in MS-TN patients. A higher proportion of patients achieved excellent BNI pain scores after PSR.

Long-term follow-up of multimodality treatment for multiple sclerosis-related trigeminal neuralgia.

The treatment for multiple sclerosis-related trigeminal neuralgia (MS-TN) is less efficacious and associated with higher recurrence rates than classical TN. No consensus has been reached in the literature on the choice procedure for MS-TN patients. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and surgical outcomes of medically refractory MS-TN. Patient records were retrospectively reviewed for all Manitobans undergoing first procedure for medically refractory MS-TN between 2000 and 2014. Subsequent procedures were then recorded and analyzed in this subgroup of patients. The primary outcome measure was time to treatment failure. The incidence of medically refractory MS-TN was 1.2/million/year. Twenty-one patients with 26 surgically treated sides underwent first rhizotomy including 13 GammaKnife and 13 percutaneous rhizotomies comprised of ten glycerol injections and three balloon compressions. Subsequent procedures were required on 23 sides (88%), including 24 GammaKnife, 19 glycerol injections, 25 balloon compressions, two microvascular decompressions, and four open partial surgical rhizotomies with a total of 99 surgeries on 26 sides (range, 1-12 each). The majority of MS-TN patients become medically refractory and require multiple repeat surgical procedures. MS-TN procedures were associated with high rates of pain recurrence and our data suggests reoperation within 1year is often necessary. Optimal management strategy in this patient population remains to be determined. Patients need to be counseled on managing expectations as treatments commonly afford only temporary relief.