Efficacy of CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Treating Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Single-Institution Study

Abstract

Introduction

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic facial pain disorder. While medications like analgesics and antiepileptics are first-line treatments, some patients may require surgical options like microvascular decompression or rhizotomies, which carry neurological risks. CyberKnife frameless stereotactic radiosurgery (CK SRS) offers a noninvasive, effective alternative with fewer side effects.

Methods and Materials

In our study, 30 patients with unilateral TN (VAS [visual analog scale] score > 5) were treated. Using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, a 5 to 6 mm segment of the trigeminal nerve, located 2 to 3 mm distal to the brainstem's dorsal root entry zone, was targeted. A 60 Gy dose, prescribed to a median isodose of 85%, was delivered for radiosurgical rhizotomy.

Results

Patients were followed for a median of 48 months. Of the 30 patients, 21 achieved satisfactory pain relief (VAS ≤ 3), with pain relief occurring at varying intervals, and 9 patients had partial relief (VAS > 3) and remained on medication. One patient had a recurrence pain and was re-irradiated at 36 months. Ten patients developed facial numbness, assessed using the Barrow Neurological Institute Facial Numbness Scale score, with a latency period of 10 months. All patients were on carbamazepine, gabapentin, and mecobalamin until pain relief was achieved.

Conclusion

The nearly 70% success rate after SRS is comparable to or better than other treatment modalities for TN. Nonisocentric CyberKnife SRS proves to be a safe and effective option for managing TN.

Keywords

trigeminal neuralgia - CyberKnife - nonisocentric - radiosurgery - rhizotomy

Publication History

Article published online:
02 April 2025

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