Case Report:
55-year-old Male with Right-sided V1, V2 Trigeminal Neuralgia
Patient: 55-year-old male presenting with severe, episodic facial pain on the right side for the past 8 years.
Symptoms:
- Sharp, electric shock-like pain in the right cheek, upper jaw, and supraorbital pain.
- Not able to talk, chew and touch.
- Significant impact on quality of life, including difficulty eating and socializing.
Diagnosis:
Right-sided trigeminal neuralgia affects the first and second divisions (V1 and V2).
Treatment:
- Medical management with medications (e.g., anticonvulsants, antidepressants) was initially attempted but provided adequate pain relief for 8 years, now on tegretal 1200 mg, baclofen 40 mg, lyrica 75 mg bd.
- Trigeminal balloon compression was performed as a minimally invasive surgical option.
Outcome:
- The patient experienced immediate and significant pain relief following the procedure. All medication was stopped.
- Mild numbness was noted in the right cheek, which gradually improved over several weeks.
- At 6-month follow-up, the patient remained pain-free with no recurrence of trigeminal neuralgia.
Discussion:
- This case highlights the effectiveness of trigeminal balloon compression in providing long-lasting pain relief for patients with trigeminal neuralgia.
- The minimally invasive nature and relatively short recovery time make it an attractive option for many patients.
Disclaimer:
This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The specific steps and outcomes of trigeminal balloon compression may vary depending on individual patient factors. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.