Efficacy of adriamycin injection around trigeminal ganglion via foramen ovale for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia under guidance of X-ray and neurostimulator

Objective To investigate the efficacy of adriamycin injection around trigeminal ganglion via foramen ovale for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia under the guidance of X-ray and neurostimulator.Methods 0.5% adriamycin 0.5 ml was injected into foramen ovale under the guidance of X-ray and neurostimulator in 78 patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia.Correct location of needle tip wax confirmed by lidocaine injection.THe patients were followed up for 24 months after adriamycin injection.The rate of effectiveness,excellent/good rate,compile remission rate and recurence rate were calculated.The complications were observed.Results On the day of treatment,and at 7 days and 1,6,12,24 months after treatment,the complete remission rate was 21%,18%,51%,45%,43%,and 39%respectively,the excellent/good rate 42%,41%,68%,65%,62%,and 54%respectively,and the rate of effectiveness 76%,82%,92%,91%,78%,and 70%respectivdy.The recurrence rate was 3%,20%and 35%at 6,12 and 24 months after treatment respectively.Facial numbness developed in 17 patients and disappeared after 8-12 months.No severe complication occurred.Conclusion Adriamycin injection around trigeminal ganglion via foramen ovale under the guidance of X-ray and neuronstimulator for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia is effective and safe. Key words: Doxorubicin; Trigeminal neuralgia; Foramen ovale; X-rays