Radiofrequency treatment of trigeminal neuralgia using a cordotomy-type electrode. A method.

A specific technique for treating trigeminal neuralgia with radiofrequency thermocoagulation uses a small electrode which allows the lesion to be made behind the ganglion in the retro gasserian rootlets where little pain is produced and the patient can be treated while awake. On-line monitoring during the lesioning with this electrode permits accurate control over the location and extent of the numbness in the face. This technique yields a very high incidence of patient satisfaction and a very low incidence of annoying dysesthesias in the face and corneal sensory loss.