Inflammation-induced changes in primary afferent-evoked release of substance P within trigeminal ganglia in vivo

Substance P (SP) is synthesized in a subset of nociceptive sensory neurons and is released from their peripheral and central terminals. Here we demonstrate with the use of in vivo microdialysis and radioimmunoassay techniques that SP is also released within trigeminal ganglia following intraganglionic application of KCl, veratridine or capsaicin, and after electrical stimulation of peripheral afferent fibers. Both the basal and KCl-evoked release of SP are shown to be dependent on extracellular calcium. Using the turpentine-induced model of unilateral orofacial inflammation we also show that both the basal and KCl-evoked release of SP within trigeminal ganglia are greatly increased on the inflamed side 48 h after induction of inflammation. Coupled with previous demonstrations of excitatory effects of SP on sensory neurons, these results suggest that SP fulfils the role of a non-synaptically released diffusible chemical messenger that may modulate the somatic excitability of neurons within sensory ganglia in inflammatory pain states.     

深刺局部穴治疗三叉神经痛疗效观察

目的:寻找提高三叉神经痛疗效的有效方法.方法:将90例原发性三叉神经痛患者随机分为深刺组(45例)、常规针刺组(45例).常规针刺组以局部近取浅刺和循经远取手足阳明经穴位为主,深刺组在此基础上对局部穴位采用深刺达神经干的方法.治疗3个疗程后统计疗效.结果:两组均收到明显疗效,深刺组临床治愈12例,显效24例,好转7例,无效2例,有效率为95.6%;而常规针刺组分别为7例、15例、12例、11例、75.6%.深刺组疗效优于常规针刺组(P＜0.05).结论:针刺治疗三叉神经痛,局部穴位深刺加循经远取手足阳明经穴位,能明显提高疗效.     

Giant trigeminal schwannoma with parapharyngeal extension: Report of a case

The authors present their experience in the treatment of a giant trigeminal schwannoma with wide extension in the parapharyngeal space using a combination of the orbito-zygomatic and the transcervical-transmandibular approaches. The clinical and radiological findings, advantages of surgical approach and clinical outcome will be discussed.     

射频热凝与伽玛刀治疗原发性三叉神经痛的疗效比较

 目的 比较立体定向射频热凝术与立体定向放射技术(伽玛刀)治疗原发性三叉神经痛的疗效。方法 回顾性分析2014-01至2016-01收治的46例原发性三叉神经痛患者临床资料,其中立体定向射频热凝术21例(射频组),伽玛刀治疗25例(伽玛刀组)。对比两组治疗后疼痛控制率、并发症和复发情况,评定疗效。结果 46例随访时间12～36个月,平均25.6个月。根据巴罗(BNI)疼痛量表评定,射频组术后Ⅰ级17例(81.0%),Ⅱ级2例(9.5%),Ⅲ级1例(4.8%),Ⅳ～Ⅴ级1例(4.8%),有效Ⅰ～Ⅲ级20例(95.2%);伽玛刀组术后Ⅰ级12例(48.0%),Ⅱ级4例(16.0%),Ⅲ级6例(24.0%),Ⅳ～Ⅴ级3例(12.0%),有效Ⅰ～Ⅲ级22例(88.0%)。术后两组比较,射频组Ⅰ级优于伽玛刀治疗组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),Ⅱ、Ⅲ级及有效率差异无统计学意义。术后射频组面部麻木发生率(81.0%)明显高于伽玛刀组(9.5%),咀嚼肌力下降、口角流涎、角膜炎发生率等两组对比,差异无统计学意义。射频组、伽玛刀组复发各1例。结论 射频热凝和伽玛刀治疗三叉神经痛疗效肯定,射频治疗起效快,恢复优良率高,但有一定的侵袭性和并发症;伽玛刀治疗无创,并发症少且轻,相对更安全,缺点是起效较慢。     

Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia Caused by Arachnoid Cyst in the Cerebellopontine Angle

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a relatively rare condition characterized by severe, paroxysmal episodes of lancinating pain in the tongue, throat, ear, and tonsil. This disorder is assumed to be due to compression of the glossopharyngeal nerve by vascular structures. A 47-year-old woman complaining of sharp and lancinating pain in the right periauricular and submandibular areas visited our hospital. Swallowing, chewing, and lying on her right side triggered the pain. Her neurologic examination revealed no specific abnormalities. The results of routine hematologic and blood chemistry studies were all within normal limits. Carbamazepine and gabapentin were given, but her symptoms persisted. Her pain was temporarily relieved only by narcotic pain medication. MRI showed an arachnoid cyst located in the right cerebellomedullary cistern extending to the cerebellopontine cistern. Cyst removal was performed via a right retrosigmoid approach. Lateral suboccipital craniotomy was performed using the right park-bench position. After opening the dura and cerebellopontine angle, the arachnoid cyst was exposed. The arachnoid cyst was compressing the flattened lower cranial nerves at the right jugular fossa. Her symptoms resolved postoperatively. Two months after the operation, she was completely free from her previous symptoms.