Clinical Analysis Following Microvascular Decompression and/or Partial Sensory Rhizotomy in 26 Cases of Trigeminal Neuralgia

ABSTRACT

Microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve at it's zone of entry into the pons and/or selective partial sensory rhizotomy of the portio major were performed in 26 patients with typical trigeminal neuralgia. Recently, microvascular decompression, partial sensory rhizotomy and percutaneous radiofrequency technique are the most commonly used and effective methods of treatment of this troublesome disorder. Since May, 1986 to October, 1994, the authors performed 26 cases of neurovascular decompression and/or partial sensory rhizotomy for trigeminal neuralgia and 22 patients(85%) had relief from neuralgic pain, 2(8%) had mild pain recurrence, 1 had moderate relief of pain and 1 had no relief from neuralgic pain after 13 months of mean follow up period. The trigeminal nerves were compressed by blood vessels in 19 cases(73%) and by tumor in 3 cases(12%). There were no pathologic lesions compressing the trigeminal nerve at its root entry zone in 4 cases (25%). The offending vessels were the superior cerebellar artery in 12 cases(46%), and 7 cases(27%) were associated with the anterior inferior cerebellar artery. There were no significant persisting complications or death in those operative treatments in the above described series.