Samobathi Pain Clinic - 6/Z Umakanta Sen Lane Kolkata 700030
Tel:+91 9830448748
Gasserian Ganglion Radio-Frequency Procedure for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Gasserian ganglion radiofrequency ablation is a long term solution for management of pain due to trigeminal neuralgia.
The procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia.
When Gasserian Ganglion Block is used?
Gasserian Ganglion Block is used for diagnosis and management of trigeminal neuralgia.
What are the ways to perform the procedure?
Most commonly used is the percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) treatment of the Gasserian ganglion. But apart from that percutaneous balloon microcompression or percutaneous glycerol rhizolysis can be performed.
How the Procedure is performed ?
It is performed in OT under sterile condition. Patient is usually kept in lying down porition, then under fluroscopic guidance a specialised needle (RF Cannula) is inserted just by the side of the angle of mouth under local anesthesia or under sedation. On reaching desired position motor and sensory stimulation is done to confirm the needle position. Conventional radiofrequency lesioning with at 65 to 75 degree celcius us usually done for 60 seconds 2-3 cycles.
in case of glycerol rhizolysis needle positioning is the same, but 22 g spinal needle is used in pace of RF needle and 0.5 ml of glycerol is injected.
What are the common complications of Gasserian Ganglion Block?
-
Haematoma in Cheek
-
Pain at the site of injection.
How long it takes to complete the procedure ?
The Procedure takes about 30 minutes to 45 minutes.
Is Gasserian ganglion radio-frequency ablation painful?
Gasserian ganglion ganglion block or radio-frequency ablation is usually done under local ananesthesia, there may be mild pain during the sensory stimulation but in general it is not painful.
When the patient can expect pain relief ?
In some patients there may be immediate pain relief but in most of the patients it takes 3 to 4 weeks for pain relief so drugs needs to be continued for about a month following the procedure. After that the drug may be reduced gradually depending on the patients response.