Peripheral alcohol injections in the management of trigeminal neuralgia.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of peripheral alcohol injections in the management of trigeminal neuralgia.


METHODS
Retrospective case audit of patients who received peripheral alcohol injections in 1994-1999 was conducted. We examined for occurrence and duration of effect of alcohol blocks, the effect of age and repeated administration, and the effect of their use on other surgical treatments.


RESULTS
Peripheral alcohol injections lasted for a mean of 11 months. Their effectiveness and complication rates were not affected by age or repeated administration. Their use did not affect, nor was their effectiveness affected by, the use of other surgical treatments.


CONCLUSIONS
Peripheral alcohol injections continue to have a role in the management of trigeminal neuralgia. They are particularly useful in those refractory to medical management and in those who are unable or unwilling to undergo neurosurgical treatment. Peripheral alcohol injections also have a role in those awaiting neurosurgical opinions or treatment.
McLeod
Niall M H
NM
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom. niall_mcleod@yahoo.co.uk <niall_mcleod@yahoo.co.uk>
Patton
D W
DW
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014277:Trigeminal Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000431:Ethanol