Calcitonin as an Additive to Local Anesthetic and Steroid Injection Using a Modified Coronoid Approach in Trigeminal Neuralgia.

BACKGROUND:

Pharmacotherapy is the main treatment for management of trigeminal neuralgia. However, many patients become refractory to drugs.

OBJECTIVES:

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding calcitonin to local anesthetic and methylprednisolone using a modified coronoid approach in management of trigeminal neuralgia pain involving the mandibular and/or maxillary branches.

STUDY DESIGN:

Randomized double blind clinical trial.

SETTING:

Hospital outpatient setting.

METHODS:

Thirty-three patients received maxillary and mandibular blocks by a modified coronoid approach. Patients were allocated into 2 groups. Group 1 received a block with 3 mL of lidocaine 0.5% plus 40 mg of methylprednisolone and another syringe contained 1 mL of 0.9% saline. Group 2 received a block with 3 mL of lidocaine 0.5% plus 40 mg of methylprednisolone and another syringe contained 50 international units of calcitonin. Pain was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) before the block (basal), at 2 weeks, one month after the procedure, and monthly for one year. Duration of the effective pain relief of the first block (VAS = 3) was reported. Repeated blockade was allowed for any patient reporting a VAS > 30 mm during one year of follow-up and the number of blocks were reported. Adverse effects were also reported.

RESULTS:

A significantly longer duration of effective pain relief was noticed in group 2 compared with group 1 (P < 0.0004) while the duration of effective pain relief of the second block in group 1 was 28.5 ± 8.9 weeks. Four patients did not need repeated blocks in group 1 versus 15 in group 2. Six patients received 2 blocks versus 2 patients in each group, respectively. Moreover, 6 patients needed 3 blocks in group1 versus none in group 2. No serious adverse events were reported during or after the interventional procedure. VAS was comparable in both groups (P > 0.05).

LIMITATIONS:

Small sample size.

CONCLUSION:

Calcitonin may be a useful additive to local anesthetic and steroid in management of trigeminal neuralgia. Also, a modified coronoid approach for maxillary and mandibular nerve is simple, free of radiation, safe, and may be an effective percutaneous procedure in trigeminal neuralgia.

KEY WORDS:

Calcitonine, modifed, coronoid approach, trigeminal neuralgia.