Trigeminal neuropathy: Two case reports of gasserian ganglion stimulation. Issue 11 (17th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Logghe, Yannick; Smet, Iris; Jerjir, Ali; Verelst, Peter; Devos, Marieke; Van Buyten, Jean‐Pierre
• Is Part Of: Brain and behavior. Volume 11:Issue 11(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-10-17
• Subjects: gasserian ganglionpain -- neuromodulation -- pain -- trigeminal neuropathypain; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8005
• DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2379
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2162-3279

Abstract

Abstract: This report describes the successful treatment of two patients with trigeminal neuropathy by using gasserian ganglion stimulation. Case reports : The first case report deals with a 53‐year‐old woman suffering from right‐sided facial pain after a gamma knife lesion for schwannoma of the right inner ear. For 9 years, several interventions with the aim of relieving the pain were unsuccessful; in fact, they had aggravated the symptoms. A trial with a neurostimulator at the level of the Gasser ganglion had an immediately positive effect on her score for facial pain, which decreased from 7.3 to 0 on a visual analog scale, assessed during a period of 2 months. Additionally, the patient had weaned off all her medication by the end of the period. The second case report describes a 64‐year‐old man suffering from trigeminal neuropathy, which mainly manifested itself as an itch. For a period of 15 years, neither medication nor several interventions were effective. A trial with an electrode at the level of the Gasser ganglion reduced his pain score from 7.0 to 1.5 on a visual analog scale, assessed during a period of three months. His medication could be limited to pregabalin 150 mg bidaily. In contrast, prior to the implantation, his oral medication consisted of pregabalin 75 mg up to five times a day. Conclusion : These case reports show that stimulation of the gasserian ganglion is a successful, minimally invasive, and non‐destructive treatment in refractory trigeminal neuropathy and should be considered earlier in the treatment algorithm of trigeminal neuropathy. Abstract : The manuscript reports two case reports on the use of neuromodulation in trigeminal neuropathy. Both patients had an extensive history of interventions that had no effect on their symptoms, which in fact aggravated their complaints. Our case reports show the successful result of stimulation of the gasserian ganglion in trigeminal neuropathy.