Seminars in Neurosurgery 2004; 15(2/03): 135-141
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-835703
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Trigeminal Neuralgia Radiosurgery

Douglas Kondziolka1 , 2 , 3 , L. Dade Lunsford1 , 2 , 3 , John C. Flickinger1 , 2 , 3
  • 1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • 2Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • 3the Center for Image-Guided Neurosurgery, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
25 October 2004 (online)

Although medical therapy is of benefit to many patients with trigeminal neuralgia, surgical management is often performed for patients with medically refractory pain. Gamma knife radiosurgery has been advocated as a minimally invasive alternative surgical approach to microvascular decompression or percutaneous surgeries. In this article, we review the safety and efficacy of this technique and discuss potential ways to improve on results.

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Douglas KondziolkaM.D. 

Ste. B-400, UPMC Presbyterian

200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Email: kondziolkads@msx.upmc.edu