Trigeminal and Occipital Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Craniofacial Pain: A Single-Institution Experience and Review of the Literature

摘要: Object. Treatment of chronic neuropathic pain in the region head and face presents a challenge for specialists; patients who do not respond to conventional treatment modalities usually continue suffer from due lack reliable medical surgical approaches. Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) has been used treat many decades, but only recently it applied systematically craniofacial region. To advance study this option, authors present their initial experience with approach, summarize published data on use PNS pain, discuss some technical details procedure. Methods. A review prospectively collected 30 underwent surgery was performed. The location, duration, cause, previous treatments were analyzed, along details, long-term results, complications, repeated operations. Stimulated nerves group included supraorbital (seven patients), infraorbital (six), occipital (21); 19 more than one stimulated. Twenty-two proceeded implantation permanent system after trial. Of these, at time latest evaluation (mean follow-up duration 35 months), two devices had removed because improvement over time, three loss effectiveness (two cases) or late infection (one), rest are enjoying either complete (15 patients) partial relief. Three operation lead erosion, infection, migration. Conclusions. appears be safe effective approach pain. growing body literature supports wider acceptance field surgery.