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Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Re: Ablative Trigeminal Surgery
(Message started by: CHTom on Mar 7th, 2006, 7:29am)

Title: Re: Ablative Trigeminal Surgery
Post by CHTom on Mar 7th, 2006, 7:29am
Ablative Trigeminal Surgery is somewhat successful for those suffering from trigeminal neuralgia (tic doloreaux) but not for cluster headache sufferers.  While you may be able to find a surgeon willing to perform the procedure, you will be wasting your time and money and setting yourself up for a major deprssion if you expect a cure.  Look elsewhere for relief.

Title: Re: Ablative Trigeminal Surgery
Post by chewy on Mar 7th, 2006, 7:33am

Quote:
1. Will the alblative surgery definitively end the pain?


It might. But for how long?

Title: Re: Ablative Trigeminal Surgery
Post by robkrier on Mar 7th, 2006, 8:04am
Ablative means the end of the nerve.  No more.  Kill it.
Much like permanent novacaine.  So I am curious how the headaches could possibly continue with the trigger gone.  After this many years of this my pain rope is frayed beyond pharmacutical repair.  Been there, done that, all of that.

Title: Re: Ablative Trigeminal Surgery
Post by E-Double on Mar 7th, 2006, 8:10am

on 03/07/06 at 08:04:09, robkrier wrote:
Ablative means the end of the nerve.  No more.  Kill it.
Much like permanent novacaine.  So I am curious how the headaches could possibly continue with the trigger gone.  After this many years of this my pain rope is frayed beyond pharmacutical repair.  Been there, done that, all of that.


From what I have read, those who have had it done have had pain free time ONLY to have CH return on the other side.
Then they were left with Clusters and a paralyzed face.

Good Luck

Title: Re: Ablative Trigeminal Surgery
Post by vig on Mar 7th, 2006, 8:34am
there are other alternatives that are less risky than surgery, I suggest you look into those before going under the knife...
good luck

Title: Re: Ablative Trigeminal Surgery
Post by robkrier on Mar 7th, 2006, 8:56am
The thought of that cruelty has not even entered the mind of Steven King himself.  But has given me cause for serious ponderance.

I still would like to speak with a neurosurgeon who has done the job and get his take on it.

Title: Re: Ablative Trigeminal Surgery
Post by Beastfodder on Mar 7th, 2006, 9:12am
Rob

Please make sure that you've exhausted EVERY ALTERNATIVE therapy - no feelings on one side of the face and CH hitting the other doesn't sound like a happy ever after.

Never had that surgery - would be loath to consider it.  

In years gone by I had sinus surgery that was supposed to 'sort' things out.  You can guess my delight when it returned.

It'd be even shittier if that happened after the trigeminal surgery.

ps I found my alternative on clusterbusters - good luck


Title: Re: Ablative Trigeminal Surgery
Post by Pinkfloyd on Mar 7th, 2006, 4:11pm

on 03/07/06 at 08:56:11, robkrier wrote:
I still would like to speak with a neurosurgeon who has done the job and get his take on it.


Going to a neurosurgeon to get his take on surgery, that he performs, is the same as asking a painter over to the house and asking him, "do you think I should wash this wall or pay you to paint it?"

Pull into a new car lot and ask the salesman what he thinks about your 86 toyota.

Except for scam artists, of all assorted ilks, people in the health care profession offer their services because they feel what they offer, can help people.

If you want to talk to a neurosurgeon about this procedure, find one that doesn't do it for clusters, and ask him why. I would suggest this to everyone looking for answers, whether its surgery, medications & all the alternatives.


Bobw

Title: Re: Ablative Trigeminal Surgery
Post by tanner on Mar 7th, 2006, 4:26pm
robkrier, i had a form of this done. while having an unnecessary nasal surgery done the specialist in all his wisdom decided to pinch(his words) and inject (absolute novocaine into the nerve)

i ended up with sinuses that are now very prone to infection, no relief from the clusters and mine are left side chronic and my face drooped for almost a year and 1/2 on the left side. oh yeah i drooled too.

this was back when i still did what docs said would help and long before i found my way here.

       wishin you the best........tim



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