New Trigeminal Stimulation Technique with Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation Electrode and Maxillary Fixation: Technique Description.

BACKGROUND

Trigeminal neuralgia is considered the worst pain a human being can experience. Initial treatment uses anticonvulsant sodium channel blockers, which relieve pain in approximately 70% of patients. In refractory cases, it is possible to perform ablative treatments, decompressive surgeries, and neuromodulatory techniques.

METHODS

This report describes the treatment of a patient with refractory trigeminal neuralgia who continued to have a painful clinical presentation after four surgical procedures and three ablative procedures. The patient presented with severe pain (verbal numerical scale between 9 and 10), manifesting an evident suicidal ideation. A dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation electrode was implanted in the trigeminal ganglion through intraoral puncture with maxillary fixation of the electrode, in order to minimize the chances of displacement. The test phase consisted of implanting a quadripolar electrode for DRG stimulation through puncture lateral to the buccal rim in a fluoroscopic coaxial view. The electrode was fixed to the skin and maintained for 5 days, during which the patient remained completely pain free. After the 5-day test period, the definitive stimulation electrode was implanted, this time with intraoral puncture and maxillary electrode fixation.

RESULTS

The patient remains pain free in the 3-month follow-up, with no displacement of the electrode.

CONCLUSIONS

The DRG electrode may be considered a therapeutic option in patients with severe trigeminal neuralgia. Controlled studies must be performed to determine the efficacy and safety of the method.