Trigeminal neuralgia and facial pain

Due to the well-established Gamma Knife technology, our center for neurosurgery offers more surgical methods for treating trigeminal neuralgia and facial pain than other hospitals in Scandinavia.

Karolinska University Hospital’s neurosurgery unit has an extensive national and international collaboration network in the areas of basic science, education, and advanced neurosurgical procedures. The unit provides world-class neurosurgery hospital care for adult patients.

Trigeminal neuralgia is a disorder with sudden intense facial pain and is considered one of the most extremely painful conditions. Patients describe the pain as attacks of electric shocks or shooting, stabbing, or burning sensations. A stimulus on a sensory nerve, for example, when brushing teeth, washing the face, or chewing, might trigger an attack. The attacks occur in episodes that can last for seconds or sometimes a minute or two. While patients with trigeminal neuralgia suffer substantially, most are able to control their pain with medication. When medicine is not sufficient or associated with troublesome side effects, neurosurgery can be an option.

Due to the well-established Gamma Knife technology, our center for neurosurgery offers more surgical methods for treating trigeminal neuralgia and facial pain than other hospitals in Scandinavia. Our wide range of treatments enables us to find a fit for any patient, regardless of age, health, and other conditions.

The neurosurgical procedures we offer are:

Gamma Knife radiosurgery

The Leksell Gamma Knife is a highly accurate radiosurgery device using precision technology that automatically shapes and moves radioactive beams to best conform to the target. It does not require a surgical incision, thereby avoiding surgical or anesthesiological complications. The Leksell Gamma Knife was originally introduced at Karolinska but is now used in hundreds of clinics worldwide. The ultra-modern Gamma Knife Icon that we use today is the sixth generation of Leksell Gamma Knife technology.

Microvascular decompression

Surgery in which the surgeon decompresses the nerve from the artery or vein causing the disorder. This is an “open” microsurgical procedure that can be performed in approximately 50% of patients with trigeminal neuralgia.

Transvaal balloon compression

A minimally invasive and short surgery where a balloon is inserted to compress the nerve and disrupt the pathway causing the pain.

Radiofrequency trigeminal thermocoagulation (RFT)

A low-risk, minimally invasive technique that involves placing the radiofrequency needle at the Gasserian ganglion.

Neuromodulation of the trigeminal nerve (Ganglion Gasseri Stimulation)

Electrical neuromodulation to stimulate the Gasserian ganglion using minimally invasive surgery.