Calcitonin as an Additive to Local Anesthetic and Steroid Injection Using a Modified Coronoid Approach in Trigeminal Neuralgia.

BACKGROUND

Pharmacotherapy is the main treatment for management of trigeminal neuralgia. However, many patients become refractory to drugs.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding calcitonin to local anesthetic and methylprednisolone using a modified coronoid approach in management of trigeminal neuralgia pain involving the mandibular and/or maxillary branches.

STUDY

DESIGN

Randomized double blind clinical trial.

SETTING

Hospital outpatient setting.

METHODS

Thirty-three patients received maxillary and mandibular blocks by a modified coronoid approach. Patients were allocated into 2 groups. Group 1 received a block with 3 mL of lidocaine 0.5% plus 40 mg of methylprednisolone and another syringe contained 1 mL of 0.9% saline. Group 2 received a block with 3 mL of lidocaine 0.5% plus 40 mg of methylprednisolone and another syringe contained 50 international units of calcitonin. Pain was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) before the block (basal), at 2 weeks, one month after the procedure, and monthly for one year. Duration of the effective pain relief of the first block (VAS = 3) was reported. Repeated blockade was allowed for any patient reporting a VAS > 30 mm during one year of follow-up and the number of blocks were reported. Adverse effects were also reported.

RESULTS

A significantly longer duration of effective pain relief was noticed in group 2 compared with group 1 (P < 0.0004) while the duration of effective pain relief of the second block in group 1 was 28.5 ± 8.9 weeks. Four patients did not need repeated blocks in group 1 versus 15 in group 2. Six patients received 2 blocks versus 2 patients in each group, respectively. Moreover, 6 patients needed 3 blocks in group1 versus none in group 2. No serious adverse events were reported during or after the interventional procedure. VAS was comparable in both groups (P > 0.05).

LIMITATIONS: Small sample size.

CONCLUSION

Calcitonin may be a useful additive to local anesthetic and steroid in management of trigeminal neuralgia. Also, a modified coronoid approach for maxillary and mandibular nerve is simple, free of radiation, safe, and may be an effective percutaneous procedure in trigeminal neuralgia.

KEY WORDS: Calcitonine, modifed, coronoid approach, trigeminal neuralgia.