Trigeminal Ganglion RFA

Break Free from Facial Pain

Trigeminal Ganglion Radiofrequency Ablation

Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as a suicidal disease, is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve. Trigeminal nerve carries sensation from the face and forehead.

Individuals with trigeminal neuralgia experience intense, electric shock-like facial pain, often triggered by routine activities such as eating, washing the face, shaving, speaking or even touching the face.

When medicines fail to provide relief for pain over face due to Trigeminal Neuralgia, interventional procedures like Trigeminal Ganglion Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) offer a promising solution and can help the patient to avoid major brain surgery. At Mitigate Pain Clinic, we specialize in such advanced pain management techniques to enhance our patients’ quality of life.

Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by sudden, severe facial pain. The pain episodes can be brief lasting for few seconds to few minutes but are often debilitating, impacting daily activities and overall well-being. In chronic patients, the pain can be continuous.

Most of these patients are usually treated for dental problems as symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia can mimic symptoms of dental caries.

What Is Trigeminal Ganglion RFA?

Trigeminal Ganglion Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure (an advance injection) aimed at reducing or eliminating facial pain by disrupting pain signals transmitted through the trigeminal nerve.

This is achieved by applying controlled heat energy to the trigeminal ganglion, a collection of nerve cells located at the base of the skull. Trigeminal ganglion is also known as Gasserian Ganglion, hence the procedure is also known as Gasserian Ganglion RFA.

Indications for Trigeminal Ganglion RFA

This procedure is typically recommended for patients who:

Have been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia.
Experience inadequate relief from medications or cannot tolerate their side effects.
Who had failed surgery.

Benefits of Trigeminal Ganglion RFA

Significant Pain Relief: Patients experience substantial reduction in facial pain.
Minimally Invasive: The procedure requires only a special needle insertion under local anesthesia and/or sedation, reducing recovery time. No incision is required.
Day-care Basis: Patients can typically return home the same day.
Reduced Medication Dependence: Decreased reliance on pain medications and their associated side effects.

The Procedure: Step-by-Step

Preparation: The patient is positioned comfortably on operation room table and the treatment area is sterilized.
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered at the needle insertion site to numb the area.
Needle Insertion: Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, a special RFA needle is carefully advanced to the trigeminal ganglion.
Stimulation Testing: A mild electrical current is applied to confirm the correct position by eliciting a tingling sensation or involuntary jaw movement in the affected facial area.
Radiofrequency Application: Once confirmed, radiofrequency energy is delivered to generate heat energy, creating a lesion that disrupts pain transmission.
Completion: The needle is removed, and the patient is monitored before discharge.

Post-Procedure Care and Recovery

After the procedure:

Immediate Care: Patients are observed for a short period before being discharged.
Pain Management: Some discomfort may be experienced for couple of days at the injection site, which can be managed with pain relievers.
Activity Restrictions: Patients are advised to rest for the remainder of the day and can usually resume normal activities within a day or two.
Follow-Up: A follow-up appointment is scheduled to assess pain relief and address any concerns.

Potential Risks and Complications

While Trigeminal Ganglion RFA is generally safe, potential risks include:

Temporary numbness or weakness in the face.
Soreness at the injection site.
Rarely, infection or bleeding.
In very rare cases, unintended nerve damage.

Effectiveness of the Trigeminal Ganglion RFA

Studies have shown that Trigeminal Ganglion RFA provides significant pain relief to almost all patients, with effects lasting from several months to years. However, pain may recur over time and repeat procedures might be necessary.

Alternatives to Trigeminal Ganglion RFA

Alternative treatments include:

Medication Management: Anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.
Microvascular Decompression Surgery: A surgical option to relieve pressure on the trigeminal nerve.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery: A non-invasive procedure using focused radiation.

Why Choose Mitigate Pain Clinic?

At Mitigate Pain Clinic, we specialize in interventional pain management techniques like Trigeminal Ganglion RFA. We are dedicated to providing personalized care, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Conclusion

Trigeminal Ganglion Radiofrequency Ablation stands out as a cutting-edge, minimally invasive solution for patients suffering from the relentless agony of facial pain due to trigeminal neuralgia.

With a high success rate, minimal recovery time and a strong track record of patient satisfaction, this advanced procedure offers renewed hope for those whose lives have been limited by chronic facial pain.

At Mitigate Pain Clinic, we are deeply committed to restoring your comfort and functionality using the latest in radiofrequency technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Pain relief duration varies among patients but can last from several months to years.

Local anesthesia is used to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Some soreness may occur afterward but is typically mild.

Most patients can resume normal activities within 24-48 hours post-procedure.

Long-term side effects are rare. Some patients may experience temporary numbness or weakness in the facial muscles.

Yes, the procedure can be safely repeated if pain returns.

Many patients can reduce or eliminate their medications following successful RFA.