Cryotherapy in the management of trigeminal neuralgia: a review of the literature and report of three cases.

Trigeminal neuralgia is a unique neuropathic syndrome confined to the trigeminal system with no analog in the somatic dermatomes or the other cranial nerves. Medical treatment remains the first line of treatment with carbamezapine as the drug of choice. Surgery, central or peripheral is indicated when medical treatment fails or its side effects diminishes quality of life. No surgery offers a permanent cure. Recurrence rates are highest in the most peripheral techniques but these also have the lowest morbidity. Cryotherapy produces a reliable, prolonged and reversible nerve block with no aggravation of symptoms. It is a simple and repeatable procedure in patients who want to avoid major surgery or where it is contra-indicated.