Trigeminal ganglion (TG) radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) and ultrasound (US)-guided maxillary or mandibular (max/mand) pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) are two interventional procedures for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of these two procedures. For this evaluation, the numeric rating scale (NRS) was used to assess pain relief and the Medication Quantification Scale III (MQS III) was used to assess the effectiveness of the interventions on medication consumption. The rates of adverse events related to the interventions were also compared.
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a very severe, unilateral, short, lightning-like pain that starts and ends suddenly and is limited to the areas related to the branches of the trigeminal nerve. The pain can be triggered by stimuli such as washing face, shaving, smoking, talking and/or brushing teeth (trigger factors) and usually occurs spontaneously. Treatment of TN is complex despite the use of multiple medications and may be resistant. Interventional procedures are an option in cases that do not respond to medical treatments or if there are side effects. Interventional procedures include trigeminal ganglion RFT and maxillary-mandibular (max/mand) nerve PRF. PRF delivers short bursts of high-voltage electrical current to the target nerve, creating a non-thermal effect that modulates the transmission of pain signals. RFT delivers a continuous current that heats the target tissue, causing coagulation necrosis on nerves. Although trigeminal ganglion RFT is a frequently performed method in the treatment of idiopathic TN, there is limited literature data on ultrasonography (US)-guided max/mand nerve PRF. The primary aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of trigeminal ganglion RFT and max/mand nerve PRF for TN. Secondary aims were to determine the effects of interventions on drug consumption and interventional safety based on adverse events. A total of at least 44 patients, 22 patients in each group, will be enrolled for comparison. NRS, and MQS III scores before treatments, 1 month, and 6 months after treatments will be compared both within and between groups.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
44
The patient is placed in the supine position and the foramen ovale is identified medial to the coronoid process of the mandible by giving the head a submental oblique position under fluoroscopic guidance. A 20-gauge, 5 mm active type, and 100 mm radiofrequency cannula is inserted 2 cm lateral to the commissura labialis and advanced towards the foramen. After entering the foramen ovale with a lateral fluoroscopic image, the radiofrequency cannula is connected to the radiofrequency generator and sensory and motor stimulations are performed to confirm the target maxillary and mandibular nerves. The radiofrequency lesion is applied at 60°C, 65°C and 70°C for 60-seconds periods. The patient is observed for side effects for 1 hour after the procedure.
The patient is placed in the lateral decubitus position with the affected side up. A 5-12 MHz linear ultrasound probe is placed in the infrazygomatic area above the maxilla at a 45° inclination in both the frontal and horizontal planes. The probe position allows visualization of the pterygopalatine fossa, which is limited to the maxilla anteriorly and the greater wing of the sphenoid posteriorly. Real-time ultrasound guidance allows direct localization of the internal maxillary artery and identification of the needle tip. The radiofrequency cannula was connected to the radiofrequency generator and PRF was applied at 42°C for 240 seconds after confirming the localization of the maxillary and mandibular nerve by obtaining appropriate responses to sensory and motor stimulation.
Diskapi Training and Research Hospital
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
Numerical rating scale (NRS)
NRS is a scale that can be used measuring pain. Scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (the worst pain)
Time frame: Change from baseline to 1st and 6th month after treatment
The Medication Quantification Scale III (MQS III)
The MQS III is a validated tool in medical research that quantifies medication regimens by assigning a numerical value to each medication based on its class, dosage, and associated risks. This scale aids clinicians and researchers in tracking changes in pain levels throughout a treatment course or study, providing an objective measure of medication consumption and its potential negative impact.
Time frame: Change from baseline 6th month after treatment
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