Treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: role of radiofrequency ablation

Figures & data

Table 1 International Headache Society diagnostic criteria for trigeminal neuralgia

Classical Paroxysmal attacks of pain lasting from a fraction of a second to 2 min, affecting one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve, and fulfilling criteria B and C Pain has at least one of the following characteristics: Intense, sharp, superficial, or stabbing Precipitated from trigger zones or by trigger factors Attacks are sterotyped in the individual patient There is no clinically evident neurologic deficit Not attributed to another disorder

Symptomatic Paroxysmal attacks of pain lasting from a fraction of a second to 2 min, with or without persistence of aching between paroxysms, affecting one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve, and fulfilling criteria B and C Pain has at least one of the following characteristics: Intense, sharp, superficial, or stabbing Precipitated from trigger zones or by trigger factors Attacks are sterotyped in the individual patient A causative lesion, other than vascular compression, has been demonstrated by special investigations and/or posterior fossa exploration

Figure 1 Left oblique submental fluoroscopic view showing needle directed toward the foramen ovale.

Figure 2 Lateral fluoroscopic view showing needle tip at entrance of foramen ovale.