Gamma knife radiosurgery using 90 Gy for trigeminal neuralgia

Authors:
  • BNBradley Nicol
    Bradley Nicol
  • WRWilliam F. Regine
    William F. Regine
  • CCClaire Courtney
    Claire Courtney
  • AMAli Meigooni
    Ali Meigooni
  • MSMichael Sanders
    Michael Sanders
  • BYByron Young
    Byron Young
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Abstract
Object. The purpose of this paper was to assess the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) with the higher than normal dose of 90 Gy. Methods. Forty-two patients with typical TN were treated over a 3-year period with gamma knife radiosurgery. Every patient received a maximum dose of 90 Gy in a single 4-mm isocenter targeted to the root entry zone of the trigeminal nerve. Thirty of 42 patients had undergone no prior treatments. The median follow-up period was 14 months (range 2–30 months). Thirty-one patients (73.8%) achieved complete relief of pain. Nine patients (21.4%) obtained good pain control. Complications were limited to increased facial paresthesia in seven patients (16.7%) and dysgeusia in four patients (9.5%). Conclusions. The authors conclude that the use of 90 Gy is a safe and effective dose for the treatment of TN.

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