Glycerol versus radiofrequency rhizotomy--a comparison of their efficacy in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Ever since the anatomical basis of trigeminal neuralgia has been postulated to be vascular compression, microvascular decompression has been gaining acceptance as the definitive treatment of the condition. However, the majority of patients are over 50 years of age, and posterior fossa procedures carry significant risk in terms of morbidity and mortality. Radiofrequency and glycerol rhizotomy are the two procedures commonly performed in patients considered unsuitable for posterior fossa craniectomy. This study attempts to assess the relative merits and demerits of these two procedures and seeks to establish indications for each. It is felt that glycerol rhizotomy is better as the first line treatment.