Abducens nerve palsy after radiofrequency rhizolysis for trigeminal neuralgia: case report.
OBJECTIVE
Abducens nerve palsy is a rare and reversible complication associated with percutaneous radiofrequency trigeminal rhizolysis.


METHODS
An 86-year-old man developed an abducens nerve palsy immediately after undergoing percutaneous radiofrequency trigeminal rhizolysis for severe trigeminal neuralgia involving all three divisions of the trigeminal nerve. The palsy resolved spontaneously after 2 months.


CONCLUSIONS
This case, in combination with previous reports, suggests that cases of transient sixth nerve palsy associated with percutaneous radiofrequency trigeminal rhizolysis for trigeminal neuralgia are more likely to occur in elderly patients with ophthalmic division involvement.
Harrigan
M R
MR
Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, USA.
Chandler
W F
WF
D000010:Abducens Nerve; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D003389:Cranial Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019051:Rhizotomy / Q000379:methods*