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Centre of Excellence for Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment in Pune, PCMC India
What is Trigeminal Neuralgia ?
Trigeminal Neuralgia manifests as sudden, sharp, and shooting pain in the facial area. The trigeminal nerve branches into three divisions: the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular nerves, which control sensation in different areas of the face. Trigeminal neuralgia often occurs when blood vessels compress the nerve, leading to its irritation or damage. This compression can cause abnormal pain signals to be transmitted, resulting in intense facial pain.
Causes:
Presence of blood vessels around the trigeminal ganglion.
Tumour around the trigeminal ganglion
Idiopathic
Diagnosis:
MRI of the brain with trigeminal sequence usually helps in the diagnosis
Treatment:
1) Medication
2) Non-Surgical Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment options
Radiofrequency Ablation ( RFA)
Balloon Decompression
Peripheral Nerve Blocks
Neurolysis
B0-T0X Injections
3) Surgical Option – MVD Surgery
What is Radio Frequency Ablation ?
Radio-Frequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses thermal energy to disrupt the function of nerves causing pain. RFA has gained recognition as an effective treatment for various chronic pain conditions, including Trigeminal Neuralgia..
The RFA procedure involves the following steps:
Anaesthesia: The patient is typically given a local anaesthetic or, in some cases, conscious sedation to minimise discomfort during the procedure.
Nerve Localisation: Under the guidance of fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging) or computed tomography (CT) scan, the doctor accurately locates the affected trigeminal nerve branch responsible for the pain.
Thermal Energy Application: Once the nerve is identified, a thin, insulated needle is inserted near the nerve. The needle delivers Radio-Frequency energy to create a lesion on the nerve, disrupting its ability to transmit pain signals. This process is carefully controlled to achieve optimal results while minimising potential side effects.
Follow-up: After the procedure, patients are monitored for a short period before being discharged. They may experience some soreness or discomfort at the treatment site, which is usually temporary.
Benefits of RFA for Trigeminal Neuralgia Condition
Effective Pain Relief: RFA has shown promising results in providing long-lasting pain relief for trigeminal neuralgia patients. By disrupting the nerve’s function, it can significantly reduce or eliminate the intense facial pain associated with the condition.
Minimally Invasive: RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis. It involves small incisions and has a relatively quick recovery time compared to more invasive surgical interventions.
Low Risk of Sensory Loss: Compared to other surgical procedures for trigeminal neuralgia, RFA carries a lower risk of sensory loss in the treated area. This is because it selectively targets the affected nerve fibers while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.