Conjoint Sphenopalatine and Trigeminal Ganglion Pulsed Radiofrequency versus Independent Trigeminal Ganglion Pulsed Radiofrequency for Pain Relief in Craniofacial Herpes Zoster Neuralgia: A Retrospective Comparison.

BACKGROUND

Herpes zoster (HZ) neuralgia is associated with abnormal autonomic nerve function. Previous studies have confirmed that sphenopalatine ganglion radiofrequency application can relieve intractable pain of head and face. However, the efficacy of conjoint pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) application to the sphenopalatine and trigeminal ganglia PRF to the trigeminal nerve in patients with craniofacial HZ neuralgia has not yet been studied. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of conjoint sphenopalatine and trigeminal ganglia PRF for the treatment of craniofacial HZ neuralgia.

METHODS

From January 1, 2019 to May 30, 2021, 72 patients with craniofacial HZ neuralgia underwent trigeminal pulsed radiofrequency (TPRF) treatment alone (n=31) or sphenopalatine ganglion combined with trigeminal ganglion PRF (TSPRF) treatment (n=41). The efficacy of treatment was assessed by a numeric rating scale pain assessment and by recording patient medication doses at one week, one month, and three months after radiofrequency treatment.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients in the TSPRF group with significant pain relief was significantly higher than that in the TPRF group at all time points. At three months after radiofrequency treatment, the proportion of TPRF patients still using antineuropathic pain drugs due to persistent pain was significantly higher than that in the TSPRF group.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with TPRF alone, combined PRF therapy of the sphenopalatine and trigeminal ganglia pulsed radiofrequency was proved more efficacious in the treatment of craniofacial HZ neuralgia.