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Writer's pictureDr Debjyoti Dutta

How Radio Frequency Ablation Can Relieve Your Trigeminal Neuralgia Pain

Updated: Jan 9

Discover how Radio Frequency Ablation can relieve your Trigeminal Neuralgia pain. Learn about this safe and effective procedure at Samobathi Pain Clinic.


How Radio Frequency Ablation Can Relieve Your Trigeminal Neuralgia Pain

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic condition that causes intense facial pain, often triggered by everyday activities such as chewing, brushing teeth or talking. TN affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sensations from the face to the brain. When this nerve is compressed or irritated, it can send abnormal signals that result in severe pain.

If you suffer from TN, you may have tried various medications, nerve blocks, or surgery to manage your pain. However, these treatments may not work for everyone, or they may have unwanted side effects or complications. That’s why you should consider radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as an alternative option.

RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat energy to destroy the small portion of the trigeminal nerve that is causing the pain. By doing so, RFA reduces or eliminates the pain signals that reach the brain, providing long-lasting relief for TN patients.


What are the benefits of Radio Frequency Ablation?

RFA has many advantages over other treatments for TN, such as:

  • It is a safe and effective procedure that has a high success rate of achieving complete pain relief.

  • It is a quick and simple procedure that can be done in an outpatient setting under local anaesthesia and conscious sedation.

  • It has minimal risks and side effects, such as bleeding, infection, or neuropathic pain. These are usually mild and temporary and can be managed with medication or follow-up care.

  • It has a low recurrence rate of pain, ranging from 15% to 20% at 12 months. If the pain does return, the procedure can be repeated safely and effectively.

  • It is a cost-effective procedure that can reduce the need for medication or surgery, and improve the quality of life of TN patients.


How is Radio Frequency Ablation done?

RFA is a procedure that involves the following steps:

  • The doctor will use a fluoroscope (a type of X-ray machine) to guide a thin needle through your cheek and into the foramen ovale, a small hole in the skull where the trigeminal nerve passes through.

  • The doctor will then insert an electrode through the needle and stimulate the nerve with a low-voltage current. This will help the doctor locate the exact part of the nerve that is causing the pain. You may feel some tingling or twitching in your face during this step.

  • The doctor will then raise the temperature of the electrode to 60 degrees Celsius for 60 seconds, creating a small lesion on the nerve. This will block the pain signals from reaching the brain. You may feel some warmth or discomfort in your face during this step, but it will not be painful.

  • The doctor will then remove the needle and electrode, and apply a bandage to the puncture site. You will be monitored for a short time before you are discharged.


Who is a candidate for Radio Frequency Ablation?

RFA is suitable for TN patients who:

  • Have a diagnosis of TN confirmed by a neurologist or a pain specialist

  • Have tried medication or nerve blocks but did not get adequate pain relief or experienced intolerable side effects

  • Have a good response to a diagnostic trigeminal nerve ganglion block, which is a test that temporarily numbs the nerve with an injection of local anesthetic

  • Do not have any contraindications for RFA, such as local infection, increased intracranial pressure, or bleeding disorders


How can I get Radio Frequency Ablation?

If you are interested in RFA, you should consult your doctor and ask for a referral to a pain specialist who can perform the procedure. The pain specialist will evaluate your condition and determine if you are a good candidate for RFA. You will also need to undergo some tests, such as blood tests, MRI scans, or nerve blocks, to prepare for the procedure.


Why choose Samobathi Pain Clinic Kolkata for Radio Frequency Ablation?

Samobathi Pain Clinic in Kolkata is one of the top pain treatment centres in India. They offer the most advanced and innovative techniques for treating various painful conditions, including TN.

At Samobathi Pain Clinic in Kolkata, you can expect:

  • A personalized and comprehensive approach to pain care, tailored to your specific needs and goals

  • A state-of-the-art facility with modern equipment and technology, ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality

  • A friendly and supportive staff, who will guide you through every step of the process, from consultation to follow-up

  • Reasonable and transparent pricing, with no hidden charges or extra fees

  • A high level of patient satisfaction and positive feedback, as evidenced by their testimonials and reviews

RFA is a safe and effective treatment for TN that can provide lasting pain relief and improve your quality of life. If you suffer from TN, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about RFA and see if it is right for you. And if you are looking for the best place to get RFA in Kolkata, look no further than Samobathi Pain Clinic Kolkata. Contact them today and book your appointment. You will be glad you did.


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