Peripheral glycerol injections in the treatment of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. A preliminary study.

Thirteen patients with 17 nerves affected by trigeminal neuralgia underwent peripheral glycerol injections (PGI). Two nerves failed to respond to the treatment. The areas of 12 nerves have been pain free for between 6 and 26 months. Pain recurred in the areas of 6 nerves, 3-18 months following treatment. Three nerves were successfully reinjected. Decreased sensation was noticed in the area of 6 nerves. It appears that PGI can give comparable results to percutaneous retrogasserian glycerol rhizotomy with faster onset of pain relief and fewer complications. However, more clinical experience and longer follow-up periods are needed before definite conclusions can be reached.