Deep Brain Stimulation for Refractory Trigeminal Neuralgia with a Pontine Lesion

Summary

The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of deep brain stimulation for refractory trigeminal neuralgia due to a pontine lesion, as is usually seen in the context of multiple sclerosis. These patients usually have severe intractable facial pain and current medical and surgical options generally fail to achieve long lasting pain relief. Hoping to improve pain control in this population, the investigators of this trial propose a novel technique consisting of implanting a deep brain stimulation lead within the pontine lesion to modulate the generation of pain signals.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults of at least 18 years old
* Refractory trigeminal neuralgia : failure of at least 3 drugs and at least two lesioning surgical interventions (radiosurgery, percutaneous rhizotomy, or open rhizotomy).
* Pontine lesion proved by MRI in contact with trigeminal nerve tract

Exclusion Criteria:

* Absolute contraindication to MRI
* Medical contraindication to the procedure

Conditions2

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