Stereotactic radiosurgery for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Stereotactic radiosurgery is an increasingly used and the least invasive surgical option for patients with medically refractory trigeminal neuralgia (TN). The authors began use of this technique at our center in 1992 and have evaluated outcomes serially. Independently acquired data from 220 patients with idiopathic TN that had Gamma Knife radiosurgery was reviewed. The median radiosurgery dose was 80 Gy with a range of 60 to 90 Gy. Most patients had features of typical TN, although 16 (7.3%) described additional atypical features. One hundred thirty-five patients (61.4%) had prior surgery. Patients were followed to a maximum of 6.5 years (median, 2 years). Complete or partial pain relief was achieved in 85.6% of patients at 1 year. Complete pain relief was achieved in 64.9 % of patients at 6 months, 70.3% at 1 year, and 75.4% patients at 33 months. Patients with an atypical pain component had a lower rate of achieving pain relief ( p = 0.025). Due to recurrences, 55.8% of patients had complete or partial pain relief at 5 years. The absence of preoperative sensory disturbance or prior surgery correlated with an increased proportion of patients in complete or partial pain relief over time. Ten percent of patients developed new or increased subjective facial paresthesia or facial numbness. Radiosurgery for idiopathic TN was safe and effective, and provided benefit to a patient population with a high frequency of prior surgical intervention. It is an important addition to the surgical armamentarium for TN.     

Pulsed radiofrequency treatment for idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia: A retrospective analysis of the causes for ineffective pain relief

We retrospectively analyzed the reasons for ineffective pain relief in patients with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (TN) who had undergone pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment guided by computed tomography scan. We found that intraoperative PRF output voltage and electrical field intensity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the group who had received effective treatment than in the ineffective group. These findings suggest that optimizing PRF parameters and increasing the intraoperative output voltage (electric field intensity) may therefore, provide better pain relief in patients with TN.     

The use of gabapentin for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia

BACKGROUND: Varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox and can reemerge later in life to cause herpes zoster or shingles. One of the most common and disabling complications of herpes zoster is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). OBJECTIVES: This article reviews the current primary literature about the efficacy and tolerability of gabapentin for the treatment of PHN. Gabapentin pharmacokinetics and drug interactions are also reviewed. METHODS: A literature search in the English language was conducted using OVID Web, which contained the following databases: MEDLINE (1966-present), EMBASE (1980-2002), Current Contents/Clinical Medicine (1999-2002), Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (1898-present), Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews (fourth quarter, 2002), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-2002). Search terms used were postherpetic neuralgia; zoster; gabapentin; neuropathic pain; pain; pharmacoeconomic; cost; controlled clinical trial; randomized, controlled trial; postherpetic neuralgia and gabapentin; gabapentin and pain; treatment and postherpetic neuralgia; gabapentin and age; gabapentin and gender; gabapentin and ethnicity; and gabapentin and pharmacokinetics. RESULTS: Gabapentin displays nonlinear absorption kinetics, is minimally protein bound (< 3%), has a high mean (SD) volume of distribution (50.4 [8.0] L), and is excreted via the kidneys as unchanged drug. Two randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter clinical trials demonstrated the effectiveness of gabapentin at doses of up to 3600 mg/d to significantly reduce pain (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001), improve sleep (P < 0.01), and improve some parameters on the Short Form-McGill Pain Questionnaire (P < 0.05). Dizziness and somnolence were the most common side effects leading to withdrawal from the trials. The recommended dosage in adults is 300 mg at bedtime on day 1,300 mg BID on day 2, and 300 mg TID on day 3, titrating up as needed to 2400 to 3600 mg/d. To reduce adverse events in patients with renal impairment, the dose should be adjusted based on the patient's creatinine clearance. CONCLUSIONS: Gabapentin appears to be effective and well tolerated for the short-term treatment of PHN. However, future controlled studies are needed to determine whether the effectiveness of gabapentin for PHN is maintained for > 2 months, to establish the optimal dose of gabapentin for PHN, and to compare the efficacy of gabapentin with that of other pharmacologic agents used for the treatment of PHN.     

重复经颅磁刺激联合加巴喷丁治疗原发性三叉神经痛的疗效及安全性评估

目的：探讨重复经颅磁刺激（rTMS）联合加巴喷丁对于原发性三叉神经痛（PTN)的治疗效果及安全性。方法：将165例PTN患者随机分为加巴喷丁组（A组）、rTMS组（B组）、rTMS联合加巴喷丁组（C组）各55例，A组患者给与加巴喷丁胶囊口服治疗，B组患者给与rTMS治疗，C组患者给与rTMS联合加巴喷丁治疗。治疗前后对患者进行视觉模拟评分（VAS）、匹兹堡睡眠质量指数量表（PSQI）评定，并记录疼痛缓解率和加巴喷丁使用剂量以及不良反应发生情况。结果：3组患者组内比较，治疗2周后、4周后及治疗后1、3、6个月的VAS评分均呈下降趋势（均P＜0.05）；与A组同时间点比较，B、C组治疗4周后及治疗后随访1、3及6个月的VAS评分均显著降低（均P＜0.05），且C组VAS评分降低更显著（P＜0.05）。3组患者疼痛缓解情况比较均有统计学意义（均P＜0.05），C组疼痛缓解率均显著高于A、B组（均P＜0.05），且C组加巴喷丁使用剂量显著低于A组（P＜0.05）。 B组各项不良反应发生率均低于A、C组（均P＜0.05），C组不良反应总计发生率低于A组（P＜0.05）。治疗后，3组PSQI评分均显著低于治疗前（均P＜0.05），且B、C组PSQI评分均显著低于A组（均P＜0.05），C组PSQI评分显著低于B组（P＜0.05）。结论：联合应用rTMS联合加巴喷丁能够提高原发性三叉神经痛的治疗效果，减少加巴喷丁的使用剂量，改善患者睡眠，同时减少不良反应的发生率，值得临床推广应用。     

Surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia

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TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA, which is unilateral electric shock or knifelike pain occurring in one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve, is evoked by stimulation of the face, lips, or gums caused by activities such as shaving, brushing the teeth, or moving trigger zones.

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IT GENERALLY IS ACCEPTED that classic trigeminal neuralgia is a consequence of vascular compression and demyelination of the trigeminal nerve. Although medical therapy is available, it gradually becomes less effective because of the progressive nature of trigeminal neuralgia.

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MICROVASCULAR DECOMPRESSION of the trigeminal nerve to treat trigeminal neuralgia is discussed in this article. Perioperative care, expected course of recovery, and potential complications are described. AORN J 78 (November 2003) 744-758.

     

Surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia nearly always can be relieved initially with drug therapy. Long-term relief, however, is achieved in only 25 percent of patients. When medical therapy fails, surgery may be necessary. Percutaneous rhizotomy is an effective technique for pain relief, with few medical contraindications. Posterior fossa exploration and neurovascular decompression or sensory root sectioning is reserved for those patients who do not improve after rhizotomy and for selected younger patients.     

Classic trigeminal neuralgia: a surgical perspective.

Classic trigeminal neuralgia (TN) was described as early as the first century AD, when treatments ranged from bloodletting to the application of poison-laden bandages. Current medical treatment utilizes a variety of drug therapies. Surgery is reserved for those who are unable to tolerate the side effects or in situations in which the drugs prove to be ineffective. Surgical options include microvascular decompression, percutaneous balloon compression, radio-frequency thermocoagulation, and glycerol injection. Nurses play a critical role in the multidisciplinary care of patients undergoing surgical procedures for TN.     

Peripheral and gasserian ganglion-level procedures for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

This review discusses the various peripheral and ganglion-level procedures available for treating trigeminal neuralgia and summarizes specific success and complication rates for each technique. METHOD: A review of the available literature. RESULTS: It appears that expertly performed ganglion-level procedures (radiofrequency thermocoagulation, balloon compression, and glycerolysis) are more effective than peripheral procedures but neither approach can be relied on to produce long-term pain relief. All of these procedures are neurodestructive and can cause sensory loss and dysesthesia. Effective drug therapy may not be acceptable to some patients as adverse cognitive side effects are increasingly recognized. CONCLUSIONS: Each patient should receive an informed and impartial account of the available surgical options. There is a need for prospective randomized controlled studies in procedure-na?ve subjects to determine the optimal surgical management of trigeminal neuralgia.     

DZY-C型三叉神经立体定向仪治疗三叉神经痛的特点

背景经皮三叉神经半月穿刺损毁术是治疗原发性三叉神经痛的方法之一.因其穿刺技术操作上的难度,可导致误伤及一些严重的并发症.DZY-C型三叉神经立体定向仪治疗原发性三叉神经痛具有穿刺准确度高、并发症低等特点,可减少误伤周围血管、神经的机会.目的评价应用DZY-C型三叉神经立体定向仪治疗三叉神经痛的疗效.设计以患者为研究对象,前后对照研究.单位一所市级中医院的脑外科和一所市级医院.对象2001/2003佛山市中医院门诊或住院部就诊的原发性三叉神经痛患者90例,男39例,女51例;年龄21～90岁.干预所有患者按要求在DZY-C型三叉神经立体定向仪的引导下,经皮穿刺三叉神经半月节,注射甘油.疗效根据视觉模拟评分法(visual ana1ogue scale,VAS)在患者治疗前及治疗后30 min对疼痛程度进行评估.主要观察指标疗效评定结果.结果应用DZY-C型三叉神经立体定向仪,对90例原发性三叉神经痛患者进行三叉神经半月节穿刺,均一次穿刺成功,注射甘油后,原三叉神经疼痛消除90例,优良率达100%.结论DZY-C型三叉神经立体定向仪的结构设计合理,手术操作简易,调节灵活,组织损伤少,使用安全,可明显消除三叉神经痛.     

射频控温热凝治疗原发性三叉神经痛临床疗效观察

目的观察射频温控热凝术治疗原发性三叉神经痛的疗效及安全性。方法 73例原发性三叉神经痛患者按随机数字表法分为治疗组（36例）及对照组（37例）,治疗组采用射频温控热凝术治疗,对照组采用药物或封闭治疗,观察两组的临床治疗效果及安全性。结果治疗组的总有效率为94.4%,明显优于对照组（73.0%）,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。治疗组有2例患者出现面部感觉减退和角膜反射迟钝等不良反应,对照组有2例患者出现药物不良反应。随访6个月,治疗组复发率明显低于对照组（P〈0.05）。结论射频热凝术治疗原发性三叉神经痛疗效好,且安全性高。     

Diagnosis and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a disease affecting older individuals. The clinical hallmark of trigeminal neuralgia is a sudden, excruciating paroxysm of pain in the area of the trigeminal nerve. Drug therapy is considered the first line of treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. Anticonvulsant carbamazepine has been used. If relevant pharmacotherapy has been tried without any effect, other procedures are selected. These procedures are microvascular decompression(a radical technique), glycerol trigeminal rhizotomy, percutaneous trigeminal nerve decompression and nerve block. Nerve block with neurolytic solutions and radiofrequency thermocoagulation is a simple, less invasive therapy. In order to avoid hypesthesia and dysesthesia, nerve block using a high concentration of local anesthetics is recommended. In recent years, stereotactic radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia has emerged as a new therapeutic modality.     

原发性三叉神经痛的外科治疗

目的:明确三叉神经的解剖与外科治疗的相关关系,从而有效地干预三叉神经痛。资料来源:应用计算机检索Medline,Embase1977/2004期间与三叉神经痛相关的文献,检索词为“Trigeminalneuralgia”。同时检索CHKD期刊全文库1994/2004期间相关文章,检索词为“三叉神经痛”。限定文章语言种类为英文及中文。资料选择:对资料进行初审,选取涉及三叉神经解剖及外科治疗相关的文章,共收集到有关三叉神经痛治疗的文章1327篇,对外科治疗三叉神经痛相关文献查找全文,然后筛除明显不随机临床试验,重点引用文献20篇。资料提炼:对于检索到的关于三叉神经痛外科治疗的研究文章中相关信息进行归类分析。常用的治疗方法有:三叉神经根微血管减压术、经皮三叉神经半月节穿刺术(射频温控热凝术、注射甘油或无水乙醇)及立体定向放射治疗(γ刀或X刀)。资料综合:三叉神经痛治疗的理论与技术的发展速度很快,近年有了很多新的研究与进展,外科治疗包括手术、徒手穿刺及γ刀等的治疗。这都为三叉神经痛的治疗提供了很好的治疗思路,为总结出有效、安全、复发率低的治疗方法提供数据。结论:对于三叉神经痛的治疗,其镇痛率高、复发率低、并发症少是目前治疗的目标,各种外科治疗手段各有优缺点。按实际情况选用不同的治疗方法,可以使患者得到     

Trigeminal neuralgia: The role of self-sustaining discharge in the trigeminal ganglion

Idiosyncrasies of trigeminal neuralgia provide both clues and constraints on candidate hypotheses concerning the underlying neural mechanism. After reviewing the key clinical aspects of the disease, we propose here a novel hypothesis based on recent findings from experimental nerve-injury preparations. The hypothesis states that trigger stimuli set off bursts of activity in a small cluster of trigeminal ganglion (TRG) neurons that have been rendered hyperexcitable as a result of TRG or trigeminal root damage. Activity then spreads from this “TRG ignition focus” to encompass more widespread portions of the ganglion. After a brief period of autonomous firing (seconds to minutes), activity is quenched and a refractory period is initiated by an intrinsic suppressive (hyperpolarizing) process engaged as a result of the rapid firing. The primary abnormality resides in the TRG and trigeminal root, rather than in the skin or the CNS. Because of this, sensation is essentially normal between periods of ectopic paroxysmal TRG discharge.