SUNCT Responsive to Percutaneous Balloon Compression of the Gasserian Ganglion – 10‐Year Follow‐Up

Abstract

We report the case of a woman with short-lasting unilateral, neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) whose severe headache attacks ceased after percutaneous balloon compression of the Gasserian ganglion. The patient remains pain free after 10-year follow-up. This may be the first literature report of SUNCT in Chile.

SUNCT/SUNA and neurovascular compression: New cases and critical literature review

“…Two SUNCT patients showed an apparent benefit following radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the trigeminal nerve that lasted for two and three years, respectively (37,62). Another three SUNCT patients were pain free after percutaneous balloon compression of the gasserian ganglion with benefits ranging from 16 months to ten years of follow-up (13,28,73).…”

Interdisciplinary management of headache disorders

“…204 Earlier surgeries such as nervus intermedius resection, greater superficial petrosal nerve resection, and trigeminal nerve resection were performed but had high rates of recurrence coupled with the risk of significant side effects. 140,203,205 In SUNCT, DBS, 200,206 microvascular decompression, 207-209 balloon compression of the gasserian ganglion, 210 and Gamma Knife radiosurgery 211 have been reported; however, evidence regarding efficacy is limited to investigational case reports and case series.…”