Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatments

Rhizotomy Treatments relieve trigeminal nerve pain by destroying the root (rhizome) of the nerve. Most patients can feel the results before they leave for home.

• Glycerol Rhizotomy is a percutaneous (through the skin) technique that uses a needle in the cheek to deliver the glycerol solution to the nerve clusters. This outpatient procedure has a short recovery time and can be repeated if needed.
• Radiofrequency Rhizotomy is also an outpatient procedure. This technique employs an electrode to deliver a current to the nerve; thus injuring the nerve to prevent nerve signals from traveling to the brain.

Balloon Compression involves a catheter (tiny flexible tube) with a balloon inserted into the place where the trigeminal nerve travels through the skull. The neurosurgeon inflates the balloon to compress the nerve ganglion. The balloon is then deflated and removed along with the catheter.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation involves implanting a small electrode near the nerve pathways. The electrical current stimulates non-pain messages to the brain, bringing pain relief.

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is another noninvasive surgery technique that damages the trigeminal nerve. Using state-of-the-art technology, the neuroradiologist delivers gamma rays (a type of radiation) to the nerve or nerve root. The pain relief can take a bit longer, but for patients who do not want a craniotomy (cranium surgery) and prefer a less invasive technique, Gamma Knife may be your best treatment option.