CT-guided percutaneous blocking of foramen ovale for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia

Objective To evaluate the method and clinical value of CT-guided percutaneous blocking of foramen ovale in patients with trigeminal neruralgia. Methods CT-guided percutaneous puncture (22G needle) of foramen ovale was performed in 34 patients,26 female and 8 male,aged from 55 to 70 years (mean 58 years). 0.2-0.3 ml 2% adriamycin was injected into the semilunar ganglion which verified with contrast agent. Results Puncture of foramen ovale was successfully performed in all 34 patients. Trigeminal neuralgia alleviated immediately in 26 (76.9%) patients. During the follow-up of 6 months,trigeminal neuralgia remained totally released in 32 patients,and alleviated in 2 patients. No serious complications occurred. Conclusion CT-guided percutaneous blocking of foramen ovale is a new,mini-invasive and effective treatment for trigeminal neruralgia.