A Habib Vohra, K Hussain Abbasi, M Naeem Kasuri.
Microvascular Decompression and Glycerol Rhizotomy for Trigeminal Neuralgia.
Pak J Neurol Jan ;6(1-2):13-5.

This prospective study was carried out from April 1989 to December 2000. One hundred twenty six patients had 139 patients had 139 procedures. Fifteen patients had 22 percutaneous glycerol rhizotomies (PGR) and 11 patients had 117 microvascular decompressions, (MVD). Male to Female, ratio 2.5:1 and age range of 32 to 89 years with median age of 66 year. Out of one Hundred twenty six patients who had MVD 105 (95%) became pain free but 6 (5%) had no relief. Leakage of CSF and meningitis occurred in one patient each and 11 (9°k) patients had some degree of hearing loss. No recurrence was recovered over 2 year of follow up. Out of fifteen patients who had glycerol injection 12 (80%) patients had complete or partial relief but three (20%) patients had no benefit. Fascial numbness was present in all who were benefited. Other complications like corneal anesthesia and anesthesia douloureux were experienced 2 (13%) patients each. There was no mortality in either of the procedure. Microvascular decompression scores better in terms of initial and long lasting pain relief with no harm to the Trigeminal nerve. Glycerol rhizotomy scores better in terms of being less invasive and no hearing loss which occurs to certain degree due to cerebellar retraction or exposure of vectibulo-choclear nerve in MVD.

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