Nerve Combing for Trigeminal Neuralgia Without Vascular Compression

作者：Zhao, Hua; Zhang, Xin; Tang, Dayin; Li, Shiting^*

来源：Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 2017, 28(1): E15-E17.

DOI：10.1097/SCS.0000000000003161

• Microvascular decompression
• nerve combing
• trigeminal neuralgia
• vascular compression

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate the long-term clinical outcome of "nerve combing'' for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) without vascular compression. @@@ Methods: Fifteen patients with TN treated with microvascular decompression had no visible vascular compression intraoperatively. All of them underwent trigeminal nerve combing. @@@ Results: The long-term excellent relief was achieved in 73.3% of patients, 2 patients had good outcome, 1 patient experienced obvious partial relief, and the intensity of the residual pain was not severe enough to require medication. Three patients suffered facial numbness postoperatively, but it completely disappeared by 4 months after operation. @@@ Conclusion: Nerve combing is an effective method in treating TN without vascular compression; however, further studies should be carried out to explore the possible mechanisms of underlying pain relief.

• 出版日期2017-1
• 单位上海交通大学