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Gamma knife effective in treating trigeminal neuralgia
October 20, 2005WINSTON-SALEM - Research at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical has shown that Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery (GKRS) is an effective treatment for trigeminal neuralgia, a common condition characterized by excruciating facial pain.
"This has proven to be a safe, effective treatment for trigeminal neuralgia patients, without the potential facial paralysis and long-term recovery experienced with conventional surgery," said Volker Stieber, M.D., co-director of the Gamma Knife Program at Wake Forest Baptist.
Results of the study are being presented at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) meeting in Denver on Oct.19.
Led by principal investigator Stieber, the Gamma Knife team evaluated the outcomes of more than 400 patients who received GKRS for facial pain. GKRS is a non-invasive, outpatient treatment. The Gamma Knife unit aims 201 narrow "pencil beams" of radioactive cobalt-60 at the trigeminal nerve focusing precisely on the target and minimizing radiation effects to surrounding healthy tissues.
Ninety percent of patients with trigeminal neuralgia had significant pain relief within an average of four weeks. Approximately one-third of these patients did experience some degree of facial numbness, but 80 percent reported a significant improvement in their quality of life since the numbness was much more tolerable than the facial pain.
Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureaux, is characterized by electric shock-like pain in one or more of the three trigeminal nerve distributions in the face. Some common triggers of pain include eating, brushing teeth, talking and exposure to cold air.
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
Led by principal investigator Stieber, the Gamma Knife team evaluated the outcomes of more than 400 patients who received GKRS for facial pain. GKRS is a non-invasive, outpatient treatment. The Gamma Knife unit aims 201 narrow "pencil beams" of radioactive cobalt-60 at the trigeminal nerve focusing precisely on the target and minimizing radiation effects to surrounding healthy tissues.
Ninety percent of patients with trigeminal neuralgia had significant pain relief within an average of four weeks. Approximately one-third of these patients did experience some degree of facial numbness, but 80 percent reported a significant improvement in their quality of life since the numbness was much more tolerable than the facial pain.
Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureaux, is characterized by electric shock-like pain in one or more of the three trigeminal nerve distributions in the face. Some common triggers of pain include eating, brushing teeth, talking and exposure to cold air.
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
OHSU School of Dentistry uncovers mechanism for dental pain
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University's School of Dentistry (www.ohsu.edu/sod) have discovered a novel function of the peptide known as Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in the development of the trigeminal nerve.
Guideline: Surgery may be considered for extreme face pain
A new guideline developed by the American Academy of Neurology finds surgery may be considered for people who suffer from extreme, electric shock-like pain in their face and do not respond well to drugs.
UCSF Medical Center using newest high-tech tool for brain disorders
The most advanced noninvasive, radiosurgery tool for treating a variety of brain disorders--including tumors--is now being used by specialists at UCSF Medical Center. The new machine expands UCSF's ability to provide state-of-the-art, specialized care to patients.
OHSU School of Dentistry team discovers potential new target for treating craniofacial pain problems
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University's School of Dentistry have uncovered an interaction between two proteins in the nerve cells that carry pain information from the head and neck to the brain.
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Balanceuticals Clear Head & Neck Comfort Dietary Supplement Capsules, 500 mg, 60-Count Bottles (Pack of 2) by Balanceuticals Dietary Supplement. 100% Natural. Made under Supervision by China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This well-known formula is made of snidium, angelica root, notopterygium rhizome and root, asarum, siler, wild mint, schizonepeta and licorice. Chinese medicine uses its analgesic, tranquilizing, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and ant-hypoxia properties to stop headache and neck pain. This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
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