[Late results of the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia by the method of thermocoagulation of the gasserian ganglion].

The authors reviewed a series of 38 consecutive patients with trigeminal neuralgia treated by percutaneous thermocoagulation in 1984-90. In 10 patients in whom the result of the treatment was unsatisfactory the coagulation was repeated (in 2 out of 10 twice). The analysis of the results showed that good outcome was connected with permanent anaesthesia in the area innervated by the coagulated branch. If anaesthesia was not present 24 hours after the treatment, it suggested that an insufficient lesion was done and consequently unsatisfactory result was likely. In patients in whom there was a sensory impairment after either thermocoagulation or other form of treatment (injection of alcohol or rhizotomy) repeated thermocoagulation not only did not give good results but could lead to worsening of the pain.