Bruce E. Pollock, M.D.
Department of Neurological Surgery
Mayo Clinic
200 First Street SW
Rochester, MN 55905
507-538-1564
http://www.mayoclinic.org/bio/12701661.html
Transcript: MS & trigeminal neuralgia surgical options
For patients with trigeminal neuralgia related to their multiple sclerosis, I prefer to perform a glycerol rhizotomy as a first operation. It’s a gentle approach in trying to hurt this nerve. It provides near immediate relief and can be readily repeated if needed. Over time, the recurrence rate for that surgery is relatively high. And you can always go to more destructive techniques or simply repeat a glycerol rhizotomy. But as a first surgery, I think a glycerol rhizotomy provides not only a lot of therapeutic benefit but it also gives us a diagnostic information as to whether or not damage to your peripheral nerve will actually correct your facial pain.