Abstract
Object Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) consists of excruciating paroxysmal pain, which lasts for
seconds to minutes, in the distribution of fifth cranial nerve. TN is not life-threatening,
but life became miserable because of high intensity of pain. This study aimed to assess
the overall success rates of different treatments, considering pain relief, recurrence
rates, and potential side effects.
Material and Methods A total of 203 patients of TN treated in the period of last 10 years, that is, 2013
to 2022, were included. Medial management was in 103, radiofrequency ablation in 17,
neurectomy in 9, tumor excision in 6, and microvascular decompression (MVD) was done
in 68 patients. Magnetic resonance imaging brain with fast imaging employing steady-state
acquisition was the basic investigation to decide the etiology of disease.
Results Preliminary findings from our institutional experience indicate that a multidisciplinary
approach, combining medical, surgical, and noninvasive treatments, yielded the most
favorable results in managing TN. The majority of patients achieved significant pain
reduction and improved quality of life with these selected therapies. However, certain
subgroups of patients exhibited a higher propensity for treatment resistance, necessitating
further investigation into personalized treatment strategies.
Conclusion Our study concludes that there is no definitive treatment modality (either medical
or surgical) available for patients with TN. As the etiology of TN is varied, management
of TN also varied, that is, multidisciplinary approach. Every type of treatment has
pros and cons but when the cause of TN is vascular compression and patient's general
condition permits for surgery, in such cases MVD should be preferred over the ablative
procedures.
Keywords
treatment options - trigeminal neuralgia - microvascular decompression
