Evaluating the Sensory Index for Success of Trigeminal RF

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is defined by the International Headache Society (IHS) as "unilateral disorder characterized by brief electric shock-like pains, abrupt in onset and termination, and limited to the distribution of one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve". It is considered the worst type of facial pain and described as intense, sharp, stabbing, and shooting like electric shock pain. It can be triggered by touch, chewing, laughing, shaving or face wash. Interventional therapies for TN are of variable efficacy and safety, and have different results for different periods of time before the recurrence of symptoms. Interventional therapy for TN is either destructive with trigeminal nerve sensory function destroyed intentionally or non-destructive with decompression of the trigeminal nerve and preservation of its regular function. The most common procedures in treating TN pain are the use of radiofrequency (RF).Combined conventional and pulsed radiofrequency (CCPRF) achieved comparable pain relief to PRF treatment alone in patients with chronic pain, the combination of PRF and CRF would increase the effect of CRF and reduce the need for long-duration CRF (LCRF) and its attendant side effects .

Inclusion Criteria:Patients with trigeminal neuralgia, diagnosed in accordance with the International Headache Society and with a visual analogue score (VAS) for pain of at least 7 or more for a minimum of 3 months before the intervention .Patients on a stable analgesic regimen for 2 weeks (consisting of at least two analgesics, including anticonvulsants) before the intervention .Patients examined by use of MRI/A of the brain to exclude secondary neuralgia.Exclusion Criteria:Patients with severe mental or psychiatric disordersPatients with history of drug abuse, high intracranial tension and history of MVD, SGK, balloon compression, RF treatment, or glycerol injectionThe possibility of vascular loop compression and other causes of TN