Trigeminal Neuralgia: Its History and Treatment

Abstract

This monograph is based on over 700 cases of trigeminal neuralgia which were seen and operated on by Dr. Stookey, who also accepts the responsibility for the opinions expressed in this study. The chapters on nonsurgical treatment, alcohol injection, and the statistical studies were prepared by Dr. Ransohoff. The book is most complete. It begins with an interesting historical survey and proceeds to an analysis of the embryology, anatomy, and physiology of the trigeminal nerve. The manifestations of the disease and the differential diagnosis are next considered. Nonsurgical treatment of the condition as well as injection of alcohol and operations on the peripheral divisions of the nerve, the root proximal to the gasserian ganglion in the posterior fossa, and the spinal root of the trigeminal nerve in the medulla oblongata all receive full consideration. The authors believe that the only satisfactory treatment of the disease is section of the nerve