Posted by Barbara D. (152.163.204.177) on July 15, 1999 at 11:24:04:
In Reply to: RF Procedure posted by Frank De Marzo on July 14, 1999 at 16:04:12:
Frank,
If you're referring to Stereotactic Radiofrequency Trigiminal Rhizotomy then YES, I've had it done and it's a LAST step.
Basically what it does is "microwave" the trigeminal nerve and will leave that side of your face numb (this is permanent). A good candidate for it has 80/20 odds of it working. It's been done for TN for about 35 years and works fair on CH.
I came out of the surgery with double vision (which is clearing up now - 5 months later). The HAs were gone for a while, but have returned now, but so far nothing like they were. Mostly below a 5. The worst one I've had was about an 8.
Before you have it done, research it thoroughly and make sure the doc who does it knows what he's doing. Mine was done by Dr. Wayne Hurt in Houston who is a neurosurgeon and treats TN and CH almost exclusively. He spent 4 hours going through the procedure on his desk and telling me everything that could go wrong before we ever thought about scheduling the surgery.
I have some facial paralysis and am doing therapy for that. I think it was worth it to quit having 4-5 10s a day, but there are risks involved. BE VERY SURE before you have it done.
Hugs BD