Partial Trigeminal Rhizotomy Using Suboccipital Approach

Abstract

The subject of trigeminal neuralgia is here considered, along with our attempts to deal with its agonizing spasms of pain. Several new techniques, as well as some new approaches to this problem, have been introduced in recent years; hence it is well to take stock, so to speak, and carefully examine and weigh our experiences, sifting from them all that may guide us to a safer and more effective course for the future. The history of trigeminal neuralgia is a familiar one and need not be reviewed here. I * have been particularly interested in trigeminal rhizotomy using the suboccipital approach and have now employed this technique for some 15 years. I should like, therefore, to report some of our experiences, with a few comments on this technique in particular, as well as some more general thoughts on the whole problem of trigeminal neuralgia. My own interest in the suboccipital approach