Nerve Combing for Trigeminal Neuralgia Without Vascular Compression.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate the long-term clinical outcome of "nerve combing" for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) without vascular compression.

METHODS

Fifteen patients with TN treated with microvascular decompression had no visible vascular compression intraoperatively. All of them underwent trigeminal nerve combing.

RESULTS

The long-term excellent relief was achieved in 73.3% of patients, 2 patients had good outcome, 1 patient experienced obvious partial relief, and the intensity of the residual pain was not severe enough to require medication. Three patients suffered facial numbness postoperatively, but it completely disappeared by 4 months after operation.

CONCLUSION

Nerve combing is an effective method in treating TN without vascular compression; however, further studies should be carried out to explore the possible mechanisms of underlying pain relief.