Prognostic factors for outcome of microvascular decompression in trigeminal neuralgia: A prospective systematic study using independent assessors

Tone Bruvik Heinskou*, Per Rochat, Stine Maarbjerg, Frauke Wolfram, Jannick Brennum, Jes Olesen, Lars Bendtsen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

31 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction: There is a lack of high-quality prospective, systematic studies using independent assessors of outcome of microvascular decompression as treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. Methods: Clinical characteristics and outcome data were recorded prospectively from consecutive classical trigeminal neuralgia patients, using standardized interviews. Degree of neurovascular contact was evaluated by a 3.0 Tesla MRI blinded to symptomatic side. Patients were assessed before and 12 months after surgery by a neurologist. Results: Twenty-six men and 33 women completed 12 months follow-up. Forty-one patients (69%) had an excellent outcome (no pain, no medication). Ten (18%) patients had a good outcome. Eight (12%) patients had no improvement or had worsening of pain. MRI showed neurovascular contact with morphological changes in 34 patients (58%). Odds ratio between neurovascular contact with morphological changes and excellent outcome was 4.4 (Cl 1.16–16.26), p = 0.029. Odds ratio between male sex and excellent outcome was 11.38 (Cl 2.12–59.52), p = 0.004. No significant association was found between excellent outcome and concomitant persistent pain, current age or disease duration. Conclusion: Neurovascular contact with morphological changes and male sex are positive predictive factors for outcome of microvascular decompression. The findings enable clinicians to better inform patients before surgery.

Original languageEnglish
JournalCephalalgia
Volume39
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)197-208
Number of pages12
ISSN0333-1024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Keywords

  • Facial pain
  • morphological changes
  • neurosurgery
  • neurovascular contact
  • predictive factors

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