Chronic Stimulation of the Gasserian Ganglion for Treatment of Atypical Facial Neuralgia

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Abstract
After a trial of percutaneous stimulation of the Gasserian ganglion in 21 patients with atypical facial pain, five patients were selected for chronic implantation. After a follow-up of two years (18 to 32 months), there is stable and excellent analgesia in three patients. There are various complications and problems associated with the method of implantation, either percutaneous or open. The best indication for this procedure is the presence of trigeminal pain and some sensory loss in the painful area. This new application of neurostimulation for pain was described by Myerson in 1980, and this therapy should be considered for any patient who has atypical facial pain that has been resistant to other forms of treatment.