Trigeminal Nerve RFT
Book an appoinmentTrigeminal Nerve RFT
Trigeminal nerve radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) is a procedure used to treat a facial pain condition called trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve disorder that causes bouts of severe pain on one side of the face. Trigeminal nerve RFT uses radiofrequency energy to anesthetize the branches of the facial trigeminal nerve that carry pain signals. During the procedure, local anesthesia is applied to the area where the nerve is located with a needle, and then a radiofrequency electrode is placed over the needle. The electrode is directed to the area where the branches of the trigeminal nerve that carry pain signals are located and the nerve is anesthetized using radiofrequency energy. Trigeminal nerve RFT can help relieve trigeminal neuralgia pain and may be an option for patients who are resistant to painkillers. The procedure is generally considered safe, but it may have some side effects, such as temporary facial numbness, jaw pain, and difficulty swallowing. Doctors performing the procedure usually prescribe medications to manage pain, and patients can usually return home the same day.
Who can apply it?
Trigeminal nerve RFT is usually performed by a pain management doctor or anesthesiologist who specializes in pain management. These professionals have received special training to perform RFT procedures and have the skills and experience required to perform this procedure.
To whom does it apply?
Trigeminal nerve RFT can be performed on people with facial pain or other pain disorders. Conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, and atypical facial pain may be candidates for trigeminal nerve RFT. However, in all cases, a pain management specialist or anesthesiologist must evaluate the patient's symptoms and medical history to decide whether this treatment is appropriate.
Trigeminal nerve RFT is performed by a pain management specialist or anesthesiologist and is usually performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, a thin needle is inserted into the area under the skin and electrodes are then placed at appropriate points on the nerve. Radiofrequency energy is then delivered between the electrodes, temporarily blocking the function of the nerve. The procedure usually takes a few minutes and the patient is allowed to go home within a few hours. After the procedure, patients usually experience mild pain, which usually subsides within a few days. The effect of treatment may be temporary and last from several months to several years. Therefore, some patients may need regularly repeated RFT procedures.
What are the advantages?
Trigeminal nerve RFT has many advantages. These include:
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No need for surgery: RFT is a less invasive treatment than traditional surgery and can often be an option for people who do not respond to pain medications.
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Treatment time is short: The procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes and the patient is allowed to go home within a few hours.
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It has a long-term pain-relieving effect: RFT relieves pain by temporarily blocking the trigeminal nerve, and its effect can last from several months to several years.
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Repeated procedures may be needed: RFT may not be a long-term solution, but when the procedure is repeated several times, its effect may last longer.
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Komplikasyon riski düşüktür: RFT'nin yan etkileri ve komplikasyonları nadirdir ve genellikle hafiftir.
For these reasons, trigeminal nerve RFT may be an attractive treatment option for patients with facial pain or other pain disorders.
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