title: Percutaneous radio frequency gangliolysis in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.
abstract: 37 procedures were carried out in 32 patients with trigeminal neuralgia who were unrelieved by anticonvulsants. Initial relief was achieved in 31 patients (98%). 5 patients (16%) suffered a relapse during a follow-up period of 15-26 months. Corneal anaesthesia occurred in 6 patients, 1 of whom subsequently developed a corneal ulcer. Anaesthesia dolorosa appeared in 5 patients. Ipsilateral reduction in hearing was reported by 2 patients. Despite its limits and complications percutaneous radio frequency gangliolysis is an effective alternative in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012668:Trigeminal Ganglion / Q000601:surgery*; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve / Q000601:surgery*; D014277:Trigeminal Neuralgia / Q000601:surgery*