Prospective study demonstrates better pain relief with microvascular decompression over peripheral neurectomy in trigeminal neuralgia, suggesting decompression provides a more durable approach.
Trigeminal neuralgia is a debilitating condition which is characterized by bouts of electric shock-like pain that most commonly involves the second and third division of the trigeminal nerve.This prospective study is done to compare the role of microvascular decompression and peripheral neurectomies for the management of trigeminal neuralgia.Patients were divided in 2 groups from Jan 2010 to Dec 2012.Group I received microvascular decompression and Group II received peripheral neurectomy.Group I patients had a complete pain relief except for minor complications like postoperative CSF leak which was seen in 1 patient.In Group II patients, 2 patients had returned to the department following recurrence of pain after 6 th and 8 th month respectively who were planned for microvascular decompression.All patients were followed up for 3 years and no further complaints; micro vascular decompression offers and superior and effective management approach for trigeminal neuralgia when compared to peripheral neurectomy.Selection of the patient is of utmost importance for choosing the appropriate management protocol.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Akheel et al. (2014) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: