What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating and comparing two types of pulsed radiofrequency ablation, bipolar and monopolar, in patients with medically refractory trigeminal neuralgia, a condition causing severe facial pain that has not responded to medication. This exploratory study involves patients diagnosed according to established criteria, with pain persisting above a certain level despite treatment, aiming to explore safety and effectiveness of these two procedures. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either bipolar or monopolar pulsed radiofrequency ablation, both performed under fluoroscopic guidance with sedation and standard monitoring. The monopolar procedure uses a single radiofrequency cannula positioned near the trigeminal nerve, while the bipolar procedure involves two cannulas placed at specific locations. Both methods include sensory and motor testing to confirm placement, followed by pulsed radiofrequency treatment at controlled temperatures and durations. Participants will undergo pain assessments using a numerical rating scale at baseline and multiple follow-up points up to six months after treatment. Patient satisfaction will also be evaluated early after the procedure. The study will monitor the time to pain control, pain recurrence, medication needs, and any complications during or after the interventions. This comprehensive monitoring aims to capture treatment effects and safety over the study period.

Fluoroscopic-Guided Bipolar Versus Monopolar Pulsed Radiofrequency for Refractory Trigeminal Neuralgia