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.

Automated summary

This study describes a treatment method for refractory trigeminal neuralgia by implanting a dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation electrode. The patient experienced effective pain relief without electrode displacement during the follow-up period.