Efficacy of and risk factors for percutaneous balloon compression for trigeminal neuralgia in elderly patients

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia in elderly patients. Methods: We retrospectively analysed data of 105 elderly patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia who were over 70 years and underwent percutaneous balloon compression using anatomic positioning and imaging guidance from January 2019 to November 2019. Results: The immediate cure rate of pain in this group of patients was 97.1% (Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain scores: class I and II; numbness score: class II). Postoperative keratitis was reported in 1 patient, masticatory muscle weakness and muscle atrophy in 1 patient, herpes labialis in 8 patients and lacunar infarction in 2 patients. Facial numbness and decreased sensation occurred in patients with significant pain relief. No serious complications were reported. There was no statistically significant difference in efficacy between the short compression and long compression time groups. Conclusion: PBC is a safe and effective approach to treat trigeminal neuralgia.

Keywords: BNI; Trigeminal neuralgia; elderly patients; percutaneous balloon compression.