Ultrasound-guided infraorbital alcohol neurolysis for intractable trigeminal neuralgia: A case report

ABSTRACT

Trigeminal neuralgia is a severe pain disorder characterized by recurrent paroxysms of unilateral facial pain that is typically lancinating or stabbing, and is activated by cutaneous stimulation. Trigeminal alcohol neurolysis is an accepted treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. However, injections of alcohol must be placed accurately because alcohol is highly toxic. In this study, infraorbital alcohol neurolysises were performed under an ultrasound guidance. Ultrasound imaging is a safe, simple and non-invasive modality. This imaging tool allows fine adjustment of the needle tip and direct observation of the injectate. Two patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia were treated with ultrasound-guided trigeminal alcohol neurolysis. They showed favorable pain relief without any serious complications over the 5- and 7-month follow-up, respectively.