Computed tomography-guided trigeminal tractotomy-nucleotomy in the management of vagoglossopharyngeal and geniculate neuralgias

Kanpolat Y., Savas A., Batay F., Sinav A.

NEUROSURGERY, vol.43, no.3, pp.484-489, 1998 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 43 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 1998
  • Doi Number: 10.1097/00006123-199809000-00045
  • Journal Name: NEUROSURGERY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.484-489
  • Keywords: DREZ lesion, geniculate neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, microvascular decompression, trigeminal tractotomy, GLOSSOPHARYNGEAL NEURALGIA, SURGICAL-MANAGEMENT, PAIN, CAUDALIS
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Vagoglossopharyngeal and geniculate neuralgias are less frequently seen types of cranial neuralgias. Their causes and symptomatology are similar to those of trigeminal neuralgia; however, the complex anatomic relationship between the intermedius, vagal, and glossopharyngeal nerves leads to difficulties in the diagnosis and management of neuralgias originating from these cranial nerves. Numerous procedures have been used to treat intractable neuralgias of the VIIth, IXth, and Xth cranial nerves: 1) extracranial sectioning of the cranial nerves, 2) percutaneous thermal rhizotomy, 3) intracranial glossopharyngeal and vagal rhizotomies, 4) microvascular decompression, and 5) percutaneous trigeminal tractotomy-nucleotomy (TR-NC) or nucleus caudalis dorsal root entry zone operation. We propose that computer-guided TR-NC may be the first-choice operation for patients with glossopharyngeal, vagal, or geniculate neuralgia.