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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Trigeminal ablative therapy?
        
(Message started by: drkern on Oct 5^th, 2006, 1:53am)

Title: Trigeminal ablative therapy?
Post by drkern on Oct 5^th, 2006, 1:53am

Has anyone had or considered ablation of the trigeminal nerve for this? My wife suggested it, and I was wondering if anyone has had it or if anyone's doctor had suggested it.

If you have had it, did it work and how did it affect your eye on that side (sight, movement, eyelids, etc.)?

Anyway, I was just wondering. I have a combination that is starting to work somewhat for me, but it sounds like it will not last forever.

Title: Re: Trigeminal ablative therapy?
Post by BarbaraD on Oct 5^th, 2006, 7:13am

What is it??? I've had a stereo tactic radio frequency trigiminal rhizotomy (microwaved the trigiminal nerve) but never hear of an ablation.

BTW -- it didn't work and I'm numb on the left side. Have to be really careful with the eye (drops all day) because of no feeling. A speck of dust can cut up the eye really bad.

Works really well on TN but with CH (as is everything else) it's a crapshoot.

Hugs BD

Title: Re: Trigeminal ablative therapy?
Post by clusterwife on Oct 5^th, 2006, 10:07am

My hubby had TN surgery. It worked great for 2.5 years. Now, the headaches switched to the other side. Do your homework, that's all I can say! Good luck!

Title: Re: Trigeminal ablative therapy?
Post by Paul98 on Oct 5^th, 2006, 10:07am

Basically it is a proceedure where the trigeminal nerve is severed. Where along the nerve, I don't know. It may depend upon the symptoms that are being treated. It is irreversable and I would not reccomend it for anything but a very last resort.

-P.

Title: Re: Trigeminal ablative therapy?
Post by BarbaraD on Oct 5^th, 2006, 12:19pm

Paul, I don't think any reputable doc would do it unless it was a last resort. Wayne Hurt in Houston probably has done more of these than anyone and he interviews patients till you want to scream. Only last resorts are done.

But anyone even thinking about it needs to go over ALL options FIRST. And it doesn't always work (I'm a prime example - I've had it done and I'm still chronic!)

Hugs BD

Title: Re: Trigeminal ablative therapy?
Post by Paul98 on Oct 5^th, 2006, 12:54pm

on 10/05/06 at 12:19:43, BarbaraD wrote:

Paul, I don't think any reputable doc would do it unless it was a last resort. Wayne Hurt in Houston probably has done more of these than anyone and he interviews patients till you want to scream. Only last resorts are done.

But anyone even thinking about it needs to go over ALL options FIRST. And it doesn't always work (I'm a prime example - I've had it done and I'm still chronic!)

Hugs BD

The orerative word is in bold. Sadly there are many Dr.'s out there that either aren't reputable or compitent.

-P.

Title: Re: Trigeminal ablative therapy?
Post by burnt-toast on Oct 6^th, 2006, 7:41pm

The follwing link covers some of the procedures used to temporarily damage the Trigemenal nerve to provide relief from Trigeminal Neuralgia. These same procedures are used for CH but the success rate is less than 50%, facial numbness and sagging are side effects and repeat procedures are necessary because when the nerve repairs itself the symptoms of CH return.
http://www.umanitoba.ca/cranial_nerves/trigeminal_neuralgia/manuscript/rhizotomies.html

I hope this provides some help.

Best wishes,

Tom