Trigeminal neuralgia

In patients who suffer from trigeminal neuralgia, there is a place on one side of the face or in the jaw which will cause a gigantic jolt of pain if touched.

In patients suffering from the classic pain (neuralgia) caused by the facial nerve (the trigeminal nerve), this overwhelming pain can be fought with a heat treatment with high-frequency current (called RF (radiofrequency) lesioning) in the nerve cell centre (the "Gasserian ganglion").

A coagulation electrode is introduced into the trigeminal nerve centre by means of navigation techniques.

This blocking technique should only be used if drug therapy with carbamazepine (Tegretol) and/or other medication such as baclofen (Lioresal) has not yielded any results. Some patients can even become suicidal due to the pain. Successful blocking therefore represents a significant increase in the patient's quality of life.

Trigeminusneuralgie in beeld

Publications

Percutaneous technique for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia � safer and more accurate with EM navigation technology: A world first

Summary:
Non-surgical treatment of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (ITN) usually consists of radiofrequency lesioning of the Gasserian ganglion. This procedure is successful but depends entirely on correct percutaneous approach to the foramen ovale. In our centre this technique has evolved from a fluoroscopic to a CT guided approach. Since electromagnetic navigation has become available, this technique has become even more precise and less invasive. The principle of needle navigation (tip tracking) opens up the way for other applications within the area of interventional pain management in neurosurgery.

Read the full article ...(dutch)

Another article on the same subject appeared in the professional journal MM-Medisch

Percutaneous technique for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia now safer and more accurate through new electromagnetic (EM) navigation technology

Summary:
Trigeminal neuralgia is one of the most painful conditions there are. Sometimes it originates in demyelinating conditions like multiple sclerosis, but in other cases the cause cannot be determined, and it is then termed idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (ITN). This condition can usually be treated with medication. Some of the more modern anti-epileptics such as gabapentin and lamotrigine are usually effective painkillers without inducing significant side effects.

Read the full article ... (dutch)

For all practical information and appointments, please contact:

Nikolaas General Hospital, Multidisciplinary Pain Centre
Moerlandstraat 1
9100 Sint-Niklaas
Hospital switchboard: + 32 (0) 3 760.21.72
MPC Department Secretary Tel. No. 3.: + 32 (0) 3 760.23.18
MPC Department Secretary Fax No.: + 32 (0) 3 760.23.38
E-mail: info@pijncentrum.be
Website: www.pijncentrum.be