Alleviation of atypical trigeminal pain by stimulation of the Gasserian ganglion via an implanted electrode.
Facial pain associated with disturbances of sensitivity as a sign of injury of the trigeminal nerve is difficult to treat. Drug therapy as well as blocking procedures are generally ineffective. Transcutaneous nerve stimulation offers a new possibility for pain alleviation but is inconvenient for the patient. A method for stimulation of the gasserian ganglion via an implanted electrode has been developed. Five cases are reported on and they all experienced excellent or good pain relief. Follow-up is 6-21 months.
D000328:Adult; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012668:Trigeminal Ganglion; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve; D014277:Trigeminal Neuralgia / Q000628:therapy*