J Korean Soc Ther Radiol Oncol.  2006 Jun;24(2):144-148.

Linear Accelerator Radiosurgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia: Case Report

• Yun HG

Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia is defined as an episodic electrical shock-like sensation in a dermatomal distribution of the trigeminal nerve. When medications fail to control pain, various procedures are used to attempt to control refractory pain. Of available procedures, stereotactic radiosurgery is the least invasive procedure and has been demonstrated to produce significant pain relief with minimal side effects. Recently, linear accelerators were introduced as a tool for radiosurgery of trigeminal neuralgia beneath the already accepted gamma unit. Author have experienced one case with trigeminal neuralgia treated with linear accelerator. The patient was treated with 85 Gy by means of 5 mm collimator directed to trigeminal nerve root entry zone. The patient obtained pain free without medication at 20 days after the procedure and remain pain free at 6 months after the procedure. He didn't experience facial numbness or other side effects.

Keyword

Trigeminal neuralgia; Linear accelerator; Radiosurgery

MeSH Terms

Humans
Hypesthesia
Pain, Intractable
Particle Accelerators*
Radiosurgery*
Sensation
Trigeminal Nerve
Trigeminal Neuralgia*