LINEAR ACCELERATOR RADIOSURGERY USING 90 GRAY FOR ESSENTIAL TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA: RESULTS AND DOSE VOLUME HISTOGRAM ANALYSIS

Neurosurgery, Vol 53, Number 4, Oct 2003

This is the first paper to report the results of linear accelerator (LINAC) radiosurgery using a higher radiation dose than those utilized in prior treatments. 25 patients were involved who had failed previous procedures.

All patients experienced good or better pain relief but 32% relapsed within 13 months after the procedure. There was a high rate of facial numbness (32%) perhaps related to the higher radiation dose. The procedure takes several months before pain relief is achieved.

The conclusion is that LINAC can be used for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, but more work needs to be done to determine it's true value.

Reviewed by Wm. Pat Marshall, M.D.

TNA Patient and member of the TNA Board of Directors