NEUROLYTIC BLOCKS

Surgical Treatments for Facial Neuralgias

Disclaimer.

Introduction

Neurolytic blocks are the oldest form of gangliolysis. Glycerol or pure alcohol is injected near locally or at least causes a lesion on it. This variant appears to be going out of style in treating TN, since the side effects, especially numbing, can be difficult to control.

No information on neurolytic blocks for TN has been found on the Web. Some related articles are, however, available.

UW: Nerve blocks.
Discusses nerve blocks, including both neurolytic and non-destructive blocks. The information is related to cancer pain, but is also applicable generally.

Chemical Neurolysis.
Nerve blocks for spasticity; could be applicable for multiple sclerosis-related TN.

Positive Experiences

   "I am 44yrs of age with bilateral TN. I developed TN when I was 28 yrs of age. I have a wonderful physician whom has been my neurosurgeon for 14 yrs.  On one side I have had wonderful success with a glycerol injection into the gasserian ganglion ( no numbness, no pain for the past 4 1/2 years.)  The surgeon's skill often makes the difference in what the patient is offered. If they do not have success with a certain procedure, they will abandon it and give only their failed results to a patient. In some cases,  the patient is offered only what that surgeon may do." - anonymous

 Negative Experiences

"The doctor injected glycerol into the nerve. I literally screamed for four hours." "Dianne".