ALCOHOL INJECTION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PAROXYSMAL TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA - A REPORT OF 6 CASES

The report revisits the role of alcohol in the treatment of paroxysmal trigeminal neuralgia (PTN). The study included 6 patients, 3 male and 3 female, average age 50 years. In 3 cases PTN involved both the infr aorbital and mental nerves; in 2 cases the infraorbital alone while on e case had buccal branch involvement. In each case 2mls standard Ligno caine was infiltrated at each site followed by 2mls 60% sterile alcoho l. All patients reported swelling postoperatively. One case with menta l and infraorbital nerve involvement complained of oral dysaesthesia. Another patient with similar involvement failed to respond and develop ed trismus. Responders remained pain-free for 9 months on average. Whi le paroxysmal trigeminal neuralgia (PTN) has been recognised for centu ries, the aetiology and definitive treatment remain obscure. Since thi s is a debilitating condition, management should aim at improving the quality of life. Alcohol is available, affordable and offers useful re sults where medical resources provide limited PTN treatment modalities .