Quality of life after trigeminal nerve block in refractory trigeminal neuralgia: A retrospective cohort study and literature review

J Int Med Res. 2022 Oct;50(10):3000605221132027. doi: 10.1177/03000605221132027.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of trigeminal nerve block (TNB) on patients' quality of life (QOL) 15 days after the procedure in patients with refractory TN.

Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study involved patients receiving TNB (levobupivacaine, clonidine, corticosteroid) between 2014 and 2018 at a postoperative pain clinic in France. Change in QOL from Day 0 (before block) to Day 15 was assessed according to SF-12.

Results: 21 patients (62 ± 14 y) were included in the study. Most patients (71%) were referred following surgery or dentistry. Of the 9 patients (43%) who exhibited >10% increase in SF-12 scores and so were deemed responders, SF12-physical and SF12-mental were increased by mean differences of 17 and 9 points, respectively. The mean duration of block lasted 15 ± 59 days (range 1 to 90 days) and no severe adverse effects were observed.

Conclusion: Improved QOL was observed in approximately 50% of patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) two weeks after specific nerve block. The technique was easy to administer and well accepted by the patients.

Keywords: Chronic pain; quality of life.; refractory trigeminal neuralgia; trigeminal nerve block; trigeminal neuralgia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clonidine
  • Humans
  • Levobupivacaine
  • Observational Studies as Topic
  • Quality of Life
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Trigeminal Nerve
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia* / surgery

Substances

  • Levobupivacaine
  • Clonidine