Pathophysiology and Management of Refractory Trigeminal Neuralgia

Discuss the current understanding of the pathophysiology and management of refractory trigeminal neuralgia (TN). This includes a discussion on why TN can recur after microvascular decompression and a discussion on “outside of the box” options when both first- and second-line management strategies have been exhausted.

This review discusses second- and third-line oral medication options, botulinum toxin A, repeat microvascular decompression, repeat ablative procedures, internal neurolysis, trigeminal branch blockade, and neuromodulation using TMS or peripheral stimulation. Additional management for chronic neuropathic facial pain such as deep brain stimulation, motor cortex stimulation, and focused ultrasound thalamotomy are also discussed, though evidence in trigeminal neuralgia is limited.

Treatment of recurrent TN despite multiple surgeries can be challenging, and multiple minimally invasive and more invasive management options have been reported in small studies and case reports. Further studies are needed to determine an optimal stepwise approach.