In cases of prior TN surgery the Gamma Knife brought total relief to 12 of 31 Patients and at least good results to 27 of 31. Reduction in facial sensation is uncommon in patients treated by this approach. We initially used this technique for patients who had failed to Rain relief from other surgeries. Recently we and others have begun using it as the first surgical procedure in those who have medical problems that might make any other type of procedure hazardous. Making the choice Any of the percutaneous procedures can provide pain relief and preserve facial sensation.
Individual institutions recommend different procedures based on their own experience and results.
Some prefer radio frequency rhizotomy in which the nerve is selectively damaged with an electrode and others prefer balloon compression, in which the nerve is temporarily squeezed by a tiny balloon inflated at the end of an Inserted catheter. All of these procedures play an important role in the treatment of TN and have proved satisfying to many patients.