A new design of radiofrequency lesion electrodes for use in the caudalis nucleus DREZ operation. Technical note

J Neurosurg. 1994 Jun;80(6):1116-20. doi: 10.3171/jns.1994.80.6.1116.

Abstract

Two new right-angled electrodes have been designed for use at the dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) of the caudalis nucleus to provide relief of chronic facial pain. The electrode design was based on an anatomical study of the human caudalis nucleus at the cervicomedullary junction. Previously, caudalis nucleus DREZ operations were often followed by ipsilateral ataxia, usually in the arm. The new electrodes have significantly reduced this complication. A group of 21 patients with varied types of chronic facial pain have been treated, with pain relief in 70%.

MeSH terms

  • Electrodes
  • Equipment Design
  • Facial Pain / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Radiosurgery / instrumentation*
  • Radiosurgery / methods
  • Spinal Nerve Roots / pathology
  • Spinal Nerve Roots / surgery*
  • Trigeminal Caudal Nucleus / pathology
  • Trigeminal Caudal Nucleus / surgery*