Value
Balloon compression for trigeminal neuralgia is a relatively new intervention aimed at eliminating or significantly reducing attacks of trigeminal neuralgia in cases where the use of traditional medications does not produce the desired effect.
Balloon compression of the trigeminal ganglion is one of the effective methods of treating trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic pain pathology that occurs as a result of damage to the trigeminal nerve in the facial area.
During balloon compression of the trigeminal ganglion, a special catheter with a balloon is inserted into the patient’s nasopharynx and then into the sphenopalparenchymal foramen. When the balloon reaches the trigeminal ganglion, it is filled with fluid that compresses the ganglion, which can lead to pain relief and nerve impulses stopping.
Balloon compression of the trigeminal ganglion can be performed in an inpatient or outpatient setting. This method can be effective for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, but its use should be coordinated with a neurosurgeon and carried out with all necessary safety precautions.
Operation
The essence of this minimally invasive intervention is to introduce a special canister to the trigeminal nerve node and its roots, which is performed using special instruments (cannula, catheter) by percutaneously puncturing the patient’s cheek with subsequent advancement of the instrument through the natural openings of the skull under the control of an X-ray machine.
After reaching the desired point, the canister is filled under pressure with X-ray contrast material until it takes on a specific shape (pear-shaped), and then the trigeminal nerve node is compressed (squeezed) for about a minute in order to stop the conduction of pain impulses.
Result
The average duration of the intervention is about 30 minutes. Permanent elimination or significant relief of pain is achieved in more than 90% of patients.
Balloon compression is a safe, effective, and affordable treatment for trigeminal neuralgia.
Disadvantages
Perhaps the only drawback of the method is the presence of a persistent decrease in skin sensitivity in the area for which a particular branch of the trigeminal nerve is “responsible” after the intervention. However, this is quite easily tolerated by patients.
