Superficial layer coagulation of trigeminal sensory root in treatment of trigeminal neuralgia

OBJECTIVE To study the clinical value of superficial layer coagulation of trigeminal sensory root in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. METHODS The clinical data of 5 cases with trigeminal neuralgia were studied. Head MRI (B-FFE) examinations were made before surgery and operations were performed via retrosigmoidal approach. One case with left facial pain showed 3 arteries with offsets crossing and compressing the left trigeminal nerve. Among 4 cases with right facial pain,3 cases had an artery compressing the right trigeminal and the nerve were distorted and moved from its original site,one case with an artery going with trigeminal nerve sensory root branchlets. All cases were no indications for microvascular decompression and thus were treated with surface coagulation of trigeminal nerve sensory root. RESULTS Pain disappeared instantly after operation and facial sensory were retained. All cases were followed up for 2.4 to 5 years and no recurrences were found. CONCLUSION Superficial layer coagulation of trigeminal sensory root is a safe and effective method for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.