Pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the Gasserian ganglion In patients with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia

Pulsed radiofrequency treatment has been described as a minimal invasive alternative to radiofrequency thermocoagulation for the management of chronic pain syndromes. We present here our first five high-risk patients with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia who were treated with pulsed radiofrequency after multidisciplinary assessment; with a wean follow-up Of 19.2 months (range 10-26). These patients were at hi-h risk due to age, co-morbidities or previous interventional and surgical treatments. An excellent long-term effect was achieved in three of the five patients. a partial effect in one patient and a short-term effect in one patient. No neurological side effects or complications were reported. (C) 2003 International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.