Controlled thermocoagulation in trigeminal neuralgia

Abstract

Results of 280 radiofrequency lesions on 229 patients with trigeminal neuralgia are presented with three months to eight years (average 3-8 years) follow up. The patients were aged from 18-91 years. There was a high overall success rate of 94%. The complication rate has been low, with sensory paraesthesiae the commonest (15%) and cranial nerve palsies very rare (2-4%) compared to other reported series.