[Efficacy of C1-C2 block with posterior parasagittal approach in the treatment of Arnold neuralgia in 24 patients].
The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of C1-C2 block from a posterior parasagittal approach to treat Arnold neuralgia.


METHODS
24 patients have been interviewed after 33 blocks were performed. The mean delay was 22 months. The posterior approach had always been performed using fluoroscopy. 27 blocks were performed with Hydrocortancyl((R)), 6 with Altim((R)).


RESULTS
71% of patients were symptomatically improved after one month, 62% after 3 months and more than 50% after one year. Using a visual analogue scale, pain was reduced of 5.8, i.e. 70% of patients were improved. An important reduction of pain killer requirements was noted for improved patients, patients with pain recurrence asked for a new infiltration. No significant side effect was noted.


CONCLUSIONS
Our method seems to be an efficient alternative to blocks performed on the origin of the nerve and to surgical treatment.
Pougnard-Bellec
F
F
Département de Radiologie, Hôpital Sud, BP 90347, 35203 Rennes Cedex, France.
Rolland
Y
Y
Morel
D
D
Meadeb
J
J
Marin
F
F
Duvauferrier
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001340:Autonomic Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D003389:Cranial Nerve Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000628:therapy*; D014630:Vagus Nerve