Radiofrequency Ablation of Trigeminal Ganglion
What is radiofrequency ablation of trigeminal ganglion?
If you suffer with Trigeminal Neuralgia and if you are not fit for a brain surgery or not willing for one, there are other percutaneous procedures (done with an injection) for relieving your pain. Radiofrequency ablation of the trigeminal ganglion is a commonly done procedure for trigeminal neuralgia. At Atlas Pain Care, a thin radiofrequency needle is inserted into your cheek, and guided by X-ray or CT-scan until it is passed through a small hole in the base of the skull to reach the trigeminal ganglion. After identifying the affected nerve with tiny electric currents, it is stunned at temperatures of 70-80 degree Celsius under mild sedation. This procedure normally gives pain relief lasting upto 3-5 years. If the pain comes back, the procedure could be repeated.
How do I prepare for radio frequency ablation of the trigeminal ganglion?
Typically you will be asked to come on an empty stomach on the morning of the procedure and the admission formalities will be completed. You will thoroughly be explained about the procedure and what is expected of you while the procedure is on. It is relatively painless as local anaesthesia and mild sedation will be used during the procedure. The procedure will typically last 30-45 minutes and will normally be done under X-ray guidance. An anaesthetist will be on standby to look after your safety during the procedure. You can eat and drink an hour after the procedure is done. Post procedure we prefer you stay overnight in the hospital for casual observation. The following day you will be discharged after a thorough assessment. Please read our FAQ section for more information.
What are the adverse effects of radiofrequency ablation of trigeminal ganglion?
Our pain physicians are very experienced and have done one of the largest series of trigeminal radiofrequency procedure in India. The adverse effects of this procedure are, therefore, minimal at Atlas Pain Care, Coimbatore. However, one common side effect is mild numbness of the area where pain was present before the procedure. You will get used to this numbness in a few days and it will not bother you. Gradually your medications for trigeminal neuralgia will be tapered and stopped.