Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation for Trigeminal Neuralgia Sustained Following Microvascular Decompression -A case report-

The authors report the result achieved in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia patient, especially V2 involved patient, using radiofrequency (RF) thermocoagulation of Gasserian ganglion. A 62-year old female patient had severe burning pain on right cheek usually initiating from upper molar teeth area for 10 years. She was treated with microvascular decompression operation 10 years ago. However, there was no pain relief by operation. She wanted non-surgical treatment. Therefore, we recommended RF thermocoagulation therapy. After 2 times of RF thermocoagulation, there was excellent pain relief without complications. And, for 6months follow-up, there were no pain, and no evidences of complication and recurrence.