Management of a case of trigeminal neuralgia in pregnancy with radiofrequency ablation of the nerve

Abstract

WHO in a publication about neurological disorders states, “adequate pain treatment is a human right and it is the duty of every health care system to provide it.” Pregnancy being a hyperestrogenic state, is a predisposing factor, for Trigeminal Neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia is a debilitating condition that causes serious morbidity to the patient, thus hampering the daily activities of a patient. Thus, it becomes imperative to effectively manage and treat patients with trigeminal neuralgia. Various treatment regimens are being practised to manage trigeminal neuralgia. Carbamazepine is the drug of choice but being teratogenic, it can not be used during pregnancy. Radiofrequency ablation is another treatment modality for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia which is safer compared to the medical management.