INFERIOR ALVEOLAR NERVE RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION FOR REFRACTORY TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, is a disorder characterized by pain in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. Chronic pain secondary to this condition can have a significant negative impact on a patient’s quality of life. We present an educational case of refractory trigeminal neuralgia responsive to a novel painalleviating procedure. An 80-year-old man with recurrent trigeminal neuralgia presented with episodic pain refractory to multimodal pharmacologic treatment, as well as interventional pain procedures. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to the mandibular and maxillary branches of the trigeminal nerve was attempted, but deemed unsuccessful. In an attempt to relieve the patient’s pain in the mandibular region, an inferior alveolar nerve block with radiofrequency ablation was performed. The patient reported a significant longterm reduction of his pain and improved ability to perform activities of daily living. Key words: Trigeminal neuralgia, tic douloureux, radiofrequency ablation, trigeminal nerve, inferior alveolar nerve