Trigeminal neuralgia treatment with ablation

Trigeminal neuralgia can be effectively and safely treated through ablation. This procedure involves partially damaging the trigeminal nerve to reduce the intensity of pain signals. Unlike other treatments, such as surgery, radiofrequency ablation does not involve large incisions or significant tissue damage. Instead, electrodes are inserted under the skin into the nerve passage area, and an electric current is used to treat illness. The procedure is carried out on special equipment consisting of a generator and two electrodes. Then, a hollow guide needle inserts the probes into the body to the selected destruction point. Ablation is performed under local anesthesia allowing the patient to remain awake. As the needle approaches the affected nerve, he may feel slightly tingling. Then the electrode-heating mode is turned on. It can be heated up to 70°C for a brief exposure time of only one and a half minutes. However, it's recommended to use the pulsed ablation mode, which heats only the tip of the active electrode to 42°C. This method ensures that surrounding tissues are not harmed but takes about 2 minutes for complete ablation. Typically, the entire procedure lasts no more than 40 minutes. In most cases, ablation leads to complete recovery. The pain may disappear immediately after the procedure or gradually improve over 6-8 weeks. Fortunately, the patient doesn't require complex rehabilitation or prolonged bed rest. He can leave the clinic on the same day.