CyberKnife Radiosurgery for refractory bilateral trigeminal neuralgia. Case report

Case description: A case of a 37-year-old female patient suffering from refractory bilateral trigeminal neuralgia is presented, who underwent various interventions such as acupuncture, block therapies and even microvascular decompression without effective pain relief. Clinical findings: Paresthesias and shooting-like twinges of pain intensity 10/10 in bilateral maxillary and mandibular branches of the trigeminal nerve, with nasal and intraoral triggers that made eating impossible, becoming increasingly severe since refractoriness to microvascular decompression and carbamazepines, triggering the twinges even during sleep, generating somnolence, depressive mood and social isolation. Treatment and results: The patient was evaluated by an interdisciplinary neuro-oncology team, where, in accordance with the analysis of the brain magnetic resonance imaging and the patient's history, it was indicated to perform Cyberknife® radiosurgery in monofraction on the left trigeminal and subsequently treat the contralateral trigeminal. When treated with Cyberknife® radiosurgery, the patient reported absolute improvement in her pain for 2 years. Clinical relevance: Radiosurgery by CyberKnife is not yet the first line of management in trigeminal neuralgia, however, it should be considered since several studies have managed to demonstrate an increase in the quality of life of patients and pain relief in refractory or severe cases. of said pathology.

Descripción del caso: Se presenta un caso de paciente femenino de 37 años que padecía neuralgia del trigémino bilateral refractaria, tratada con terapias alternativas, cirugía de descompresión microvascular, analgesia multimodal y terapias de bloqueo sin alivio efectivo del dolor. Hallazgos clínicos: Parestesias y punzadas tipo disparo de intensidad del dolor 10/10 en ramas maxilar y mandibular bilaterales del nervio trigémino, con gatillos nasales e intraorales que imposibilitaban comer, tornándose cada vez más severa desde refractariedad a descompresión microvascular y carbamazepinas, desencadenándose las punzadas incluso en el sueño, provocando somnolencia, animo depresivo y aislamiento social. Tratamiento y resultados: La paciente fue sometida a valoración por equipo interdisciplinario de neurooncología, donde en concordancia con el análisis de la resonancia magnética cerebral y los antecedentes de la paciente, se indicó realización de radiocirugía por Cyberknife en monofracción sobre trigémino izquierdo y posteriormente tratar el contralateral. Al ser tratada con radiocirugía Cyberknife® la paciente refiere mejora absoluta de su dolor desde hace 2 años. Relevancia clínica: La Radiocirugía por Cyberknife aún no es primera línea de manejo en neuralgia del trigémino, sin embargo, debería considerarse ya que diversos estudios han logrado demostrar un aumento en la calidad de vida de los pacientes y alivio del dolor en casos refractarios o graves de dicha patología.

Appropriate degree of neuromuscular block for monitoring abnormal muscle response during microvascular decompression / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To determine the appropriate degree of neuromuscular block (NMB) for abnormal muscle response (AMR) monitoring during microvascular decompression.Methods:Fifty American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients of both sexes, aged 20-64 yr, with body mass index≤30 kg/m 2, who were diagnosed with facial spasm before surgery, scheduled for elective microvascular decompression, were selected.Anesthesia was induced with midazolam 0.05-0.10 mg/kg, sufentanil 0.3-0.5 μg/kg and propofol 1.5-2.5 mg/kg. After patients lost consciousness, electrophysiological monitoring was performed, the zygomatic branch of the facial nerve was stimulated, and the baseline of AMR was recorded in the mental muscle.NMB was monitored with TOF-Watch SX monitor.After rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was intravenously injected, the amplitude and latency of AMR were measured at different degrees of NMB (100%, 75%, 50% and 25%). The amplitude reservation ratio (the ratio of the amplitude of AMR monitored to the baseline value) was calculated.Linear correlation of the amplitude reservation ratio or latency of AMR with the degree of NMB was analyzed.The criteria for determining the appropriate degree of NMB in AMR monitoring were: 1.amplitude reservation ratio of AMR≥50%; 2.no body movement during electrical stimulatation of facial nerve. Results:No patients had any body movement during electrical stimulation performed at different degrees of NMB.The amplitude reservation ratio ( Y) was negatively correlated with the degree of NMB ( X) ( r=-0.943, t=-42.73, P<0.001), the linear regression equation of the interaction between the degree of NMB ( X) and the amplitude reservation ratio (Y) was Y=90.36-0.894 7 X, and the coefficient of determination R2 was 0.8804 ( F=1825.41, P<0.001). The amplitude reservation ratio ( Y) was positively correlated with the degree of NMB ( X) ( r=0.879, t=28.67, P<0.001) in the latency period, the linear regression equation of the interaction between the degree of NMB ( X) and the latency ( Y) was Y=10.77+ 0.074 3 X, and the coefficient of determination R2 was 0.7681 ( F=821.30, P<0.001). The estimated appropriate degree of NMB for AMR monitoring during microvascular decompression was 25%-45%. Conclusions:The appropriate degree of NMB for AMR monitoring during microvascular decompression was 25%-45%.

Advances in diagnosis and treatment of primary hemifacial spasm / 中华全科医师杂志

Primary hemifacial spasm is a motor disorder of facial muscles related to facial nerve. During the attack, the facial muscles present irregular and involuntary clonus, which can be induced or aggravated by emotional excitement, mental tension and random facial movement, seriously affecting daily work and life. The pathogenesis, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and treatment of the primary hemifacial spasm have been studied extensively in recent years. This article reviews the progress in these aspects.

Internal Neurolysis (Nerve Combing) for Trigeminal Neuralgia without Neurovascular Compression

Objective The aim of the present study was to describe and evaluate the initial and the long-term clinical outcome of internal neurolysis (IN) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) without neurovascular compression (NVC). Methods A total of 170 patients diagnosed with TN were treated by posterior fossa exploration, during the period between April 2012 and October 2019. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A (50 patients)was treated by IN and Group B (120 patients) received microvascular decompression (MVD). Surgical outcomes and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Pain intensity was assessed by the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity score and BNI facial numbness score. Pain recurrence was statistically evaluated with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results Pain was completely relieved in 44 patients (88%) who underwent IN (group A); 3 (6%) experienced occasional pain but did not require medication (BNI 2). In group B, 113 (94%) experienced immediate pain relief after MVD. The median duration of follow-ups was 4 years (6 months to 7.5 years). In Group A, there was a meantime recurrence of 27 months in 3 patients (6%). The recurrence in Group B was of 5.8% during the follow-up period. There were no statistically significant differences in the surgical outcomes between the two groups. All patients with IN experienced some degree of numbness, 88% of the cases resolved in 6 months, on average. Conclusion Internal neurolysis is an effective, safe and durable treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia when NVC is absent.

Trigeminal neuralgia recurrence: a comparison of microvascular decompression and percutaneous balloon compression: a five years follow-up study / Neuralgia do trigêmeo recorrente: uma comparação entre descompressão microvascular e compressão percutânea por balão: um estudo de acompanhamento de cinco anos

ABSTRACT Background: About 50% of patients that suffer from trigeminal neuralgia do not experience sustained benefit from the use of oral medication. For their adequate management, a few surgical procedures are available. Of these, percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) and microvascular decompression (MD) are two of the most performed worldwide. In this retrospective study, we present the outcomes of these techniques through estimation of initial pain relief and subsequent recurrence rate. Methods: Thirty-seven patients with medically refractory trigeminal pain surgically treated at Hospital Cajuru, Curitiba, Brazil, with PBC, MD or both between 2013 and 2018 were enrolled into this retrospective study. The post-procedural rate for pain relief and recurrence and associations between patient demographics and outcomes were analyzed. Results: MD had an earlier recurrence time than balloon compression. Of the 37 patients, the mean age was 61.6 years, approximately one third were male and most had type I neuralgia. The most affected branch was the maxillary (V2). The time for recurrence after surgery was on average 11.8 months for PBC and 9.0 months for MD. Complications were seen only with microsurgery. Conclusions: MD presented with a more precocious recurrence of pain than PBC in this article. Moreover, it had a higher recurrence rate than described in the literature as well, which is possibly explained by the type of graft (muscle) that was used to separate the neurovascular structures.

RESUMO Introdução: Cerca de 50% dos pacientes com neuralgia do trigêmeo não apresenta benefícios a longo prazo com o uso de medicação oral. Para a manutenção do tratamento, algumas opções cirúrgicas estão disponíveis, sendo a compressão percutânea por balão (CPB) e a descompressão microvascular (DM) algumas das modalidades mais realizadas em todo o mundo. Neste estudo retrospectivo, apresentamos os desfechos dessas técnicas por meio de estimativa da melhora inicial da dor e da taxa de recorrência subsequente. Métodos: Trinta e sete pacientes com dor trigeminal refratária ao tratamento medicamentoso tratados cirurgicamente no Hospital Cajuru, Curitiba, Brasil, com CPB, DM ou ambos entre 2013 e 2018 foram incluídos neste estudo retrospectivo. A taxa pós-procedimento para alívio e recorrência da dor e suas associações com a demografia e desfechos dos pacientes foram analisadas. Resultados: A DM foi associada a menor recorrência que a compressão por balão. Entre os 37 pacientes, a idade média foi de 61,6 anos, aproximadamente um terço eram do sexo masculino e a maioria apresentava neuralgia do tipo I. O ramo mais afetado foi o maxilar (V2). O tempo de recorrência após a cirurgia foi em média de 11,8 meses para CPB e 9,0 meses para DM. Foram vistas complicações apenas na microcirurgia. Conclusões: A DM apresentou recidiva mais precoce da dor em comparação à CPB. Além disso, apresentou uma taxa de recorrência mais alta do que a descrita na literatura, o que é possivelmente explicado pelo tipo de enxerto (músculo) usado para separar as estruturas neurovasculares.

Application of Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate Combined with Tropisetron in Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting under Microvascular Decompression of Hemifacial Spasm / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To evaluate the effect of methylprednisolone sodium succinate combined with tropisetron on postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV)under microvascular decompression of hemifacial spasm.Methods From January to June 2019,485 patients undergoing microvascular decompression for facial spasm at Department of Neurosurgery,Peking University People's Hospital were randomly assigned into two groups with random number table method.For group A(n=242),2 ml saline was administrated by intravenous drip before induction and 5 mg tropisetron after operation.For group B(n=243),40 mg methylprednisolone sodium succinate was administrated by intravenous drip before induction and 5 mg tropisetron after operation.The anesthesia time,operation time,and incidence of PONV in 0-24 h and 24-48 h were recorded for the comparison of the remedial treatment rate of nausea and vomiting between the two groups.Results There was no significant difference in age,gender,smoking history,body mass index value,American Society of Anesthesiologists score,medical history,surgical side,PONV history,operation time or anesthesia time between the two groups(all P > 0.05).The incidence of PONV in group A was 35.5% and 18.2% during 0-24 h and 24-48 h,respectively,which was significantly higher than that(18.5%,χ

Observation on the curative effect of trigeminal nerve microvascular decompression in the treatment of elderly trigeminal neuralgia / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To observe the efficacy of trigeminal nerve microvascular decompression in the treatment of elderly trigeminal neuralgia.Methods:A total of 96 elderly patients with trigeminal neuralgia admitted to our hospital from January 2015 to June 2016 were selected.48 patients were treated with percutaneous trigeminal semilunar ganglion radiofrequency thermocoagulation as a control group, and the other 48 patients were treated with trigeminal nerve microvascular decompression as the observation group.Efficacy indicators of post-operative pain severity scores, severity scores of post-operative complications, a sum of two categories of severity scores, which were compared between the two groups at one month and at 1, 3, 5 years after surgery.Results:One month after the operation, there was no significant differences in pain severity score, surgical complications severity scores, and a sum of two categories severity scores between the two groups of patients(all P>0.05). In the observation group versus the control group, pain severity scores were[(0.55±0.39)scores versus(0.94±0.61)scores, t=7.572, P=0.011 at 1 year after operation], [(0.81±0.61)versus(1.19±0.83)scores, t=7.513, P=0.012 at 3 years after operation]and[(1.13±0.65)and(1.55±0.91)scores, t=7.837, P=0.010 at 5 years after operation]respectively, showing more efficacy in observation group.In the observation group versus the control group, severity scores of surgical complications were[(0.39±0.28)and(0.67±0.49)scores, t=7.290, P=0.014, at 1 year after operation], [(0.65±0.37)and(0.94±0.55)scores, t=7.353, P=0.013 at 3 years after operation]and[(0.80±0.35)and(1.13±0.64)scores, t=7.475, P=0.012 at 5 years after operation], respectively, showing more efficacy in observation group.In the observation group versus the control group, overall efficacy from a sum of the two categories of severity scores were[(0.72±0.35)and(1.33±0.56)scorets, t=7.701, P=0.009 at 1 year after operation], [(1.21±0.49)and(1.78±0.70)scores, t=7.580, P=0.011 at 3 years after operation]and[(1.46±0.55)and(2.24±1.03)scores, t=8.026, P=0.007 at 5 years after operation], respectively, showing more efficacy in observation group.Overall, above three severity scores were lower than in the observation group than in the control group(all P<0.05). Conclusions:For elderly patients with trigeminal neuralgia, trigeminal nerve microvascular decompression has definite efficacy, long duration of pain relief, low incidence of surgical complications, and is safe and reliable, which is worthy of clinical application.

Descompresión Microvascular para el Tratamiento del Espasmo Hemifacial

Resumen El espasmo hemifacial se caracteriza por contracciones tonicoclónicas en los músculos inervados por el nervio facial, causado por la compresión del nervio facial por una arteria, generalmente la arteria cerebelosa anteroinferior o venas del ángulo pontocerebeloso. Suelen aparecer espontáneamente, debido a la tensión emocional, fatiga, y disminuyen durante el reposo. Se presenta entre los 13 a 77 años con una duración de los síntomas aproximadamente de ocho años. La inyección local de toxina botulínica puede ser efectiva en el tratamiento, y la descompresión microvascular está reservada para casos refractarios al tratamiento médico, con resolución completa entre el 85 al 93%. En este artículo, se resumen las principales características anatomo-clínicas, fisiopatológicas, y una descripción detallada de la descompresión microvascular como mejor opción terapéutica.

Abstract Hemifacial spasm is characterized by tonic-clonic contractions of the muscles innervated by the facial nerve. It is caused by compression of the facial nerve by a blood vessel, which usually is the anterior inferior cerebellar artery or the veins of the cerebello-pontine angle. It typically appears spontaneously, caused by emotional tension and fatigue, and it's reduced during rest. Likewise, it presents between the ages of 13 and 77 years, with a median duration of symptoms of eight years. Treatment with local botulinum toxin injection can be effective, and the Microvascular decompression is reserved for cases that are refractory to medical treatment, resulting in full spasm resolution in 85 to 93% of patients. This article summarizes the main anatomic-clinical and physio-pathological characteristics of hemifacial spasms. Additionally, a detailed description of microvascular decompression as the best therapeutic option is described in detail.

Descompresión microvascular para el tratamiento de la neuralgia del trigémino / Microvascular decompression for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia

La neuralgia del trigémino se define como (dolor paroxístico, unilateral, severo, penetrante, de corta duración y recurrente en la distribución de una o varias de las ramas del V par craneal). Puede ser esencial o secundaria. Su prevalencia es alta y ha ido aumentando junto con la expectativa de vida, constituye el 89% de las neuralgias faciales en personas mayores de 60 años. Su diagnóstico se basa en el cuadro clínico con exploración física y neurológica. Existen estudios complementarios como tomografía y resonancia de encéfalo, los cuales están enfocados a diferenciar entre una neuralgia esencial o secundaria. Esta patología continúa siendo una enfermedad desconocida para muchos médicos generales y lo que resulta aún peor, mal manejada por muchos de los especialistas encargados de la misma. En este trabajo se resumen las principales características anatomoclínicas, fisiopatológicas, y una descripción de la técnica quirúrgica de la descompresión microvascular como la mejor opción terapéutica para la neuralgia del trigémino.

Trigeminal neuralgia is defined as (paroxysmal, unilateral, severe, penetrating, short-term and recurrent pain in the distribution of one or more of the branches of the V cranial nerve). It can be essential or secondary. Its prevalence is high and has been increasing along with life expectancy; it constitutes 89% of facial neuralgia in people over 60 years. Their diagnosis is based on the clinically, physical and neurological examination. There are complementary studies such as tomography and brain resonance, which are focused on differentiating between an essential or secondary neuralgia. This pathology continues to be an unknown disease for many general physicians and what is even worse, poorly managed by many of the specialists in charge of it. This dossier abstracts the main anatomoclinic, pathophysiological characteristics, and a detailed description of microvascular decompression as the best therapeutic option for trigeminal neuralgia.

Asistencia Endoscópica en la Descompresión Microquirúrgica del Hemiespasmo Facial / Endoscopic Assistance in Microsurgical Decompression of Facial Hemiespasm

Introducción: El hemiespasmo facial primario (HFP) se produce por la hiperexcitabilidad del nervio facial y sus núcleos de origen como consecuencia de la compresión vascular. La cirugía de descompresión neurovascular se plantea como alternativa al tratamiento médico refractario. Objetivos: Presentar nuestra experiencia respecto a esta patología. Material y métodos: Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de pacientes operados por HPF refractarios a tratamiento médico en nuestra institución en los últimos 5 años (periodo 2014-2019). Todos fueron intervenidos vía retrosigmoidea. Se evaluaron datos demográficos, evaluación prequirúrgica y evolución postoperatoria. Resultados: Se operaron 4 pacientes bajo técnica microquirúrgica asistido por endoscopía. Edad promedio 52 años (rango 41-61) con una relación femenino masculino 3:1. El 25% (n=1) presentaba paresia facial grado 2 (HB) en el prequirúrgico. No hubo cambios en cuanto al grado de paresia facial en el postoperatorio en ningún caso. Sólo un paciente registró caída leve en la audiometría postquirúrgica. El 75% (n=3) resolvieron el HFP. Conclusión: Si bien nuestra serie es acotada a un número reducido de pacientes, la cirugía descompresiva microvascular es efectiva como alternativa al tratamiento médico refractario del HFP.

Introduction: Primary hemifacial spasm (PHS) is defined as the hyper excitability of the nerve due to the compression of the facial nerve or its nuclei, most commonly by a vascular structure. The surgical indication for microvascular decompression is resistance to pharmacological treatment or severe adverse effects. Objectives: To present our experience in the surgical treatment of this pathology with this novel technique. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients (n=4) with a diagnosis of PHS, who underwent endoscope-assisted microvascular decompression surgery in our institution during the last 5 years. In all the cases, we choose the retrosigmoid approach. We evaluated demographic data, preoperative evaluation, and post-operative evolution. Results: Endoscope-assisted microvascular decompression was the surgical technique in all the patients. The median age was 52 years, the female-male ratio of 3:1. Only one patient presented a grade 2 facial palsy (House-Brackmann scale) in the preoperative evaluation; there were no significant changes in the post-operative evaluation in any patient. Only one patient experienced worsening in the post-operative audiometric follow-up. The 75% (n=3) of the patients solved the HFP after the surgical treatment. Conclusion: By taking into account our experience in this small case series, we can support the concept that endoscope-assisted microvascular decompression is as effective as the open surgical treatment of the PHS.

Neuralgia del trigémino: aspectos clínicos y terapéuticos / Trigeminal neuralgia: clinical and therapeutic aspects

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: La neuralgia del trigémino produce una gran limitación en la calidad de vida de los pacientes que sufren esta condición. Es necesario un adecuado conocimiento de sus características clínicas para diferenciarla de otras causas de dolor facial que son más frecuentes y evitar tratamientos innecesarios e irreversibles como las extracciones dentales. OBJETIVO: describir los aspectos más importantes en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los pacientes con neuralgia del trigémino. METODOLOGÍA: Revisión narrativa. DESARROLLO: La neuralgia del trigémino se caracteriza por presentar episodios recurrentes de dolor facial unilateral, severo, breve y penetrante que sigue la distribución del nervio trigémino. Existe una forma clásica en la que se reconoce contacto vascular sobre el nervio trigémino, una forma idiopática sin etiología conocida y una forma secundaria debido a condiciones como la esclerosis múltiple, tumores, malformaciones arteriovenosas, entre otras. El diagnóstico se basa principalmente en las características clínicas, aunque la resonancia magnética es una ayuda en casos seleccionados. La carbamazepina y la oxcarbazepina son la primera línea del tratamiento, mientras que otros medicamentos con menor nivel de evidencia hacen parte de la segunda línea de tratamiento. Para los casos refractarios existen alternativas quirúrgicas, entras las que se encuentra la descompresión microvascular, la rizotomía percutánea por radiofrecuencia, la rizotomía percutánea con glicerol, la compresión percutánea con balón y la radiocirugía estereotáxica. CONCLUSIONES: El abordaje de la neuralgia del trigémino requiere conocer sus características clínicas y elegir el tratamiento más adecuado para el paciente mediante un trabajo multidisciplinario.

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Trigeminal neuralgia produces a great limitation in the quality of life of patients suffering from this condition. It is necessary an adequate knowledge of its clinical characteristics to differentiate it from other causes of facial pain that are more frequent and to avoid unnecessary and irreversible treatments such as tooth extraction. OBJECTIVE: To describe the most important aspects in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with trigeminal neuralgia. METHODOLOGY: Narrative review. DEVELOPMENT: Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by recurrent episodes of unilateral, severe, brief, and penetrating facial pain that follows the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. There is a classic form in which vascular contact is recognized on the trigeminal nerve, an idiopathic form without known etiology and a secondary form due to conditions such as multiple sclerosis, tumors, arteriovenous malformations, among others. The diagnosis is based mainly on the clinical characteristics, although magnetic resonance imaging is an aid in selected cases. Carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine are the first line of treatment, while other medications with a lower level of evidence are part of the second line of treatment. For refractory cases, there are surgical alternatives, among which is microvascular decompression, percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomy, percutaneous glycerol rhizotomy, percutaneous balloon compression, and stereotactic radiosurgery. CONCLUSIONS: The approach of trigeminal neuralgia requires knowing its clinical characteristics and choosing the most appropriate treatment for the patient through multidisciplinary work.

Trigeminal neuralgia: recent approach in classification, diagnosis and management

Pain and fear of pain continue to be the commonest and strongest motivation for the people to seek facial pain treatment. Pain is a personal experience of the sufferer that cannot be shared and wholly belongs to the sufferer. Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a notable facial pain disorder resulting in periodic severe pain that produces one of the most severe kinds of pain known to mankind. Treatment of this debilitating condition may be varied, ranging from medical to surgical interventions. However antiepileptic drugs are commonly used for its treatment. This article brings out the recent approaches in diagnosis and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring during Microvascular Decompression Surgery for Hemifacial Spasm

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is due to the vascular compression of the facial nerve at its root exit zone (REZ). Microvascular decompression (MVD) of the facial nerve near the REZ is an effective treatment for HFS. In MVD for HFS, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (INM) has two purposes. The first purpose is to prevent injury to neural structures such as the vestibulocochlear nerve and facial nerve during MVD surgery, which is possible through INM of brainstem auditory evoked potential and facial nerve electromyography (EMG). The second purpose is the unique feature of MVD for HFS, which is to assess and optimize the effectiveness of the vascular decompression. The purpose is achieved mainly through monitoring of abnormal facial nerve EMG that is called as lateral spread response (LSR) and is also partially possible through Z-L response, facial F-wave, and facial motor evoked potentials. Based on the information regarding INM mentioned above, MVD for HFS can be considered as a more safe and effective treatment.

Related factors affecting the efficacy of microvascular decompression for the treatment of primary trigeminal neuralgia related factors / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To investigate the related factors affecting the efficacy of microvascular decompression (MVD) in the treatment of primary trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Methods MVD was performed in 120 patients with primary TN and single factor χ2 test and Logistic regression analysis were performed on the clinical data to evaluate the independent risk factors influencing the efficacy of MVD in the treatment of primary TN. Results The pain completely disappeared in 101 cases, the pain was relieved in 16 cases and the unhealed in 3 cases. Sixty cases had pure arterial compression,57 cases had venous compression, and 3 cases had no obvious responsibility vessel. Complete elimination of pain in the patients with venous compressionwaslower than that in patients with pure arterial oppression: 73.7% (42/57) vs. 86.7% (52/60), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The complete pain relief rate in patients with V2 bronchial pain was lower than that in other pain distribution areas: 13/19 vs. 87.1%(88/101), With significant difference (P<0.05). In patients with V2 bronchitis, the responsible vessels were mostly compressed from the ventral surface of the trigeminal nerve, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed , Venous compression and V2 pain were the independent risk factors influencing the clinical efficacy of MVD in the treatment of primary TN. Conclusions Patients with venous compression and V2 pain are less likely to havegood postoperative outcomes, and venous compression and V2 painare independent risk factors. In patients with V2 pain, the responsible vasculature tends to ventrally massage the trigeminal nerve, which is a new study direction of refractory V2 pain.

Effect analysis of microvascular decompression for patients with trigeminal neuralgia caused by vertebrobasilar dolichectasia / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of microvascular decompression for patients with trigeminal neuralgia caused by vertebrobasilar dolichectasia ( VBD). Methods From April 2013 to August 2016, the clinical data of 13 consecutive patients with trigeminal neuralgia caused by VBD and treated with microvascular decompression at the Department of Neurosurgery,the 174th Hospital of PLA (n = 2) and the Department of Neurosurgery, Xiamen Humanity Hospital (n = 11) were enrolled retrospectively. Among them,4 were females and 9 were males,aged from 37 to 72 (mean 59 ± 10) years; the duration of the disease was 3-12 months,with a median of 36.0 (9.5,54.0) months; 1 patient was complicated with cerebral infarction before operation, 1 had transient ischemic attack;9 patients were complicated with hypertension,2 had diabetes, and 1 had coronary heart disease; 10 were treated with carbamazepine before operation, and 2 were treated with radiofrequency before operation; pain was mainly distributed in the second and third branches of trigeminal nerve. Preoperative and postoperative scores were assessed using the Baro Nervous Institute ( BNI) pain grading; preoperative head MRI was performed (including three-dimensional time of flight sequence) in order to confirm the diagnosis. Clinical follow-up was performed by outpatient and telephone after operation. Results (1) Preoperative BNI pain grading in 13 patients; grade IV in 4 cases and grade V in 9 cases. Both MRI and intraoperative findings were consistent with VBD characteristics,and the trigeminal nerve was significantly displaced by pressure. The distribution of guilty vessels was 6 cases in basilar artery,3 in basilar artery + superior cerebellar artery,and 4 in vertebral artery. Twelve patients were treated with microvascular decompression alone,and 1 was treated with microvascular decompression + selective partial posterior rhizotomy (SPPR). (2) All 13 patients completed clinical follow-up. The follow-up period ranged from 24 to 64 months, mean 48 ± 13 months. All 13 patients were effective immediately after operation (BNI grade I ) ,including ipsilateral hearing loss in 1 case, recurrence 1 year after operation in 1 case ( BNI grade HI) ,and recurrence in 1 case 3 years after operation (BNI grade M). Eleven patients were effective during the foUowed-up (BNI grade I ). Conclusions Microvascular decompression has a short-term curative effect for trigeminal neuralgia caused by VBD. Its safety is better,but because of the small sample size and VBD is a chronic progressive disease,its long-term efficacy needs further observation.

Effect of partial neuromuscular blockade on efficacy and safety of nerve monitoring during microvascular decompression of facial nerve / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of partial neuromuscular blockade (NMB) on the efficacy and safety of nerve monitoring during microvascular decompression (MVD) of facial nerve.Methods Seventy American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients of both sexes,aged 39-78 yr,weighing 44-84 kg,scheduled for elective MVD,were divided into 2 groups (n=35 each) using a random number table method:control group and partial NMB group.Anesthesia was induced by intravenous injection of 3-fold ED95 cisatracurium.In control group,muscle relaxants were not used after intubation.In partial NMB group,cisatracurium was continuously infused intravenously to maintain partial NMB,and the T1/Tc ratio was maintained at 20％-40％.Intraoperative neuroelectrophysiological monitoring was performed using lateral spread response (LSR).The success rates of LSR monitoring,occurrence of body movement,requirement for anesthetics and cardiovascular agents were recorded during operation,and the patients were followed up on day 7 after surgery,and the therapeutic efficacy and occurrence of neurological complications were recorded.Results Compared with control group,the incidence of intraoperative body movement was significantly decreased,the intraoperative consumption of propofol and remifentanil was decreased,and the intraoperative requirement for vasopressors was decreased in partial NMB group (P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in the success rate of LSR monitoring,therapeutic efficacy and incidence of neurological complications between two groups (P＞0.05).Conclusion Partial NMB (T1/Tc=20％-40％) can be effectively used for MVD monitored by LSR,decrease the occurrence of the body movement,and raise the perioperative safety in patients.

Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring during Microvascular Decompression Surgery for Hemifacial Spasm

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is due to the vascular compression of the facial nerve at its root exit zone (REZ). Microvascular decompression (MVD) of the facial nerve near the REZ is an effective treatment for HFS. In MVD for HFS, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (INM) has two purposes. The first purpose is to prevent injury to neural structures such as the vestibulocochlear nerve and facial nerve during MVD surgery, which is possible through INM of brainstem auditory evoked potential and facial nerve electromyography (EMG). The second purpose is the unique feature of MVD for HFS, which is to assess and optimize the effectiveness of the vascular decompression. The purpose is achieved mainly through monitoring of abnormal facial nerve EMG that is called as lateral spread response (LSR) and is also partially possible through Z-L response, facial F-wave, and facial motor evoked potentials. Based on the information regarding INM mentioned above, MVD for HFS can be considered as a more safe and effective treatment.

Abordaje asterional mínimamente invasivo para descompresión microvascular en neuralgia del trigémino / Minimally invasive asterional approach for microvascular decompression in trigeminal neuralgia

Resumen Objetivo: La neuralgia del trigémino (NT) es un trastorno neuropático susceptible de tratamiento quirúrgico. El objetivo es presentar los hallazgos quirúrgicos y resultados obtenidos en 26 pacientes con NT, tratados mediante un abordaje asterional mínimamente invasivo para descompresión vascular trigeminal. Métodos: Estudio longitudinal descriptivo. Se intervino mediante abordaje asterional a 26 pacientes. Se registró el historial médico, hallazgos quirúrgicos, respuesta al tratamiento y complicaciones. Se les dio seguimiento durante 36 meses. Resultados: Diecinueve casos se asociaron a compresión vascular, cinco casos a aracnoiditis y los dos restantes se relacionaron con esclerosis múltiple y neuralgia postherpética. El dolor se controló significativamente en todos los pacientes durante el postoperatorio inmediato. A 36 meses de seguimiento, en 25 pacientes se alcanzó un control total o aceptable del dolor. A largo plazo 22 pacientes evolucionaron sin complicaciones permanentes. Conclusiones: La cirugía de descompresión microvascular a través de un abordaje asterional mínimamente invasivo para el tratamiento de la NT es una alternativa con resultados similares al abordaje retrosigmoideo clásico, pero que suma las bondades de una técnica quirúrgica que se rige con los principios de la mínima invasión. Se requieren esfuerzos constantes para optimizar las técnicas quirúrgicas en el tratamiento de la NT.

Abstract Objective: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a neuropathic disorder that can be treated surgically. This study aimed to present the surgical findings and the clinical outcomes of 26 patients with TN treated by minimally invasive asterional surgery. Methods: Longitudinal descriptive study. Twenty-six patients with TN underwent minimally invasive asterional surgery. The medical history, surgical findings, therapeutic response, and complications were registered. They were followed for 36 months. Results: Nineteen cases were associated with vascular compression; five were associated with arachnoiditis. The two remaining cases were associated with multiple sclerosis and post-herpetic neuralgia. The pain was substantially reduced in all patients in the immediate postoperative period. At 36 months, in 25 patients, total or acceptable pain control was achieved. In the long term, 22 patients evolved with no permanent complications. Conclusion: The microvascular decompression surgery by an asterional approach is an alternative with similar results to the classic retrosigmoid approach to treat TN, but that adds the benefits of the principles of minimally invasive surgery. Constant efforts need to be made to optimize minimally invasive surgical techniques for TN.

Microvascular Compressicaude by Slinging a Tortuous Vertebrobasilar Artery to the Petrous Dura in Hemifacial Spasm: Technical Note

Objective In cases of hemifacial spasm caused by a tortuous vertebrobasilar artery (TVBA), the traditional treatment technique involves Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene), which can be ineffective and fraught with recurrence and neurological complications. In such cases, there are various techniques of arteriopexy using adhesive compositions, 'suspending loops' made of synthetic materials, dural or fascial flaps, surgical sutures passed around or through the vascular adventitia, as well as fenestrated aneurysmal clips. In the present paper, we describe a new technique of slinging the vertebral artery (VA) to the petrous dura for microvascular decompression (MVD) in a patient with hemifacial spasm caused by a TVBA. Method A 50-year-old taxi driver presented with a left-sided severe hemifacial spasm. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain showed a large tortuous left-sided vertebral artery impinging and compressing the exit/entry zone of the 7th and 8th nerve complex. After a craniotomy, a TVBAwas found impinging and compressing the entry zone of the 7th and 8th nerve complex. Arachnoid bands attaching the artery to the nerve complex and the pons were released by sharp microdissection. Through the upper part of the incision, a 2.5 1 cmtemporal fascia free flap was harvested. After the fixation of the free flap, a 6­0 prolene suture was passed through its length several times using the traditional Bengali sewing and stitching techniques to make embroidered quilts called Nakshi katha. The'prolenated' fascia was passed around the compressing portion of the VA. Both ends of the fascia were brought together and stitched to the posterior petrous dura to keep the TVBA away from the 7th and 8th nerves and the pons. Result The patient had no hemifacial spasm immediately after the recovery from the anesthesia. A postoperative MRI of the brain showed that the VA was away from the entry zone of the 7th and 8th nerves.

Impact to life quality from treatment with microvascular decompression in patients with hemifacial spasm / 基础医学与临床

Objective To investigate the impact of microvascular decompression surgery on quality of life in patients with hemifacial spasm. Methods A clinical data collection of 224 adult patients with hemifacial spasm treated by the surgery was conducted from 2012 to 2017. The degree of spasm and effect of the operation was evaluated by Co-hen grading standard before and after the surgery. The quality of life was evaluated by the HFS-8 scale. The results were statistically analyzed. Results According to Cohen grading standard, symptoms were improved significantly 6 months after the surgery. The effective remission rate and the total effective rate of the surgery were 92.7% and 97.6% respectively. The score of HFS-8 scale was significantly lower than before treatment (2.71±3.25 vs 18.01± 4.57, P＜0.05) ; The scores were significantly different before and after the surgery in patients with different de-grees of remission, except for the " invalid" group ( P=0.071) ; The scores of patients with different strengths of the spasm were significantly improved ( P＜0.05) , and the Pearson correlation coefficient suggested that the HFS-8 score was significantly correlated with the severity of the spasm. Conclusions Microvascular decompression is one of the preferred treatment of hemifacial spasm, which can effectively improve the the quality of life in patients with hemifacial spasm.