Our Summary

This research paper discusses the use of a treatment called radiofrequency ablation to help manage severe headache disorders and a type of face pain called trigeminal neuralgia. These conditions can greatly affect a person’s quality of life, and sometimes, standard drug treatments (either taken by mouth or given through a vein) don’t work well. Radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat to disrupt nerve signals, is increasingly being used for these types of persistent, chronic pain. Several studies have shown that this treatment can be effective for many different types of headaches and for trigeminal neuralgia.

FAQs

  1. What is radiofrequency ablation and how is it used in treating craniofacial pain syndrome?
  2. How effective is radiofrequency ablation in treating headache disorders and trigeminal neuralgia?
  3. Can resistance to traditional pharmacologic treatments be overcome with radiofrequency ablation?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing craniofacial surgery to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including managing pain and swelling, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding strenuous activities that could disrupt the healing process. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the medical team promptly. Additionally, patients should adhere to any prescribed medication regimens and engage in recommended rehabilitation exercises to promote optimal recovery and outcomes.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for craniofacial surgery are those with chronic pain conditions such as headache disorders, trigeminal neuralgia, and other craniofacial pain syndromes. These patients may have tried traditional pharmacologic treatments with little to no relief and are seeking alternative options for pain management. Radiofrequency ablation has been shown to be an effective treatment for these types of patients, providing relief from chronic pain and improving their quality of life.

Timeline

Before craniofacial surgery:

  • Patient experiences chronic headaches, facial pain, or trigeminal neuralgia that significantly impact their quality of life.
  • Traditional pharmacologic treatments have been ineffective in managing the pain.
  • Patient consults with a neurosurgeon or craniofacial surgeon to discuss the option of craniofacial surgery.
  • Preoperative evaluations and tests are conducted to assess the patient’s overall health and suitability for surgery.
  • Surgical plan is discussed with the patient, including potential risks and benefits.

After craniofacial surgery:

  • Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to address the underlying cause of their pain, such as nerve compression or structural abnormalities.
  • Postoperative care includes pain management, wound care, and monitoring for any complications.
  • Patient may experience some discomfort and swelling in the immediate postoperative period.
  • Gradual improvement in pain symptoms is expected as the surgical site heals and the underlying issue is addressed.
  • Patient undergoes follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their progress and address any concerns.
  • Over time, the patient may experience significant relief from their chronic pain and improved quality of life following successful craniofacial surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific craniofacial conditions can be treated with craniofacial surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with craniofacial surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of craniofacial surgery for my particular condition?
  4. How long is the recovery period after craniofacial surgery?
  5. What alternative treatment options are available for my condition?
  6. Will I need multiple surgeries or procedures to achieve the desired results?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  8. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of post-surgery?
  9. What specific experience and training do you have in performing craniofacial surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone similar craniofacial surgeries?

Reference

Authors: Orhurhu V, Sidharthan S, Roberts J, Karri J, Umukoro N, Hagedorn JM, Odonkor CA, Abd-Elsayed A. Journal: Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2021 Nov;32(4):601-645. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2021.05.003. Epub 2021 Jul 29. PMID: 34593133