Evaluation of Gasserian Ganglion Block for Trigeminal Herpetic Pain and Post-herpetic Neuralgia

Abstract

Efficacy of Gasserian ganglion block for trigeminal herpetic pain was evaluated retrospectively. Gasserian ganglion blocks using local anesthetics and corticosteroid were performed under fluoroscopy for 19 patients associated with trigeminal herpetic pain or postherpetic neuralgia. Short term (2 weeks) efficacy rate was 47% and long term (2 years) efficacy rate was 58%. In patients with pathologic character deviation, short term effects of the block were poor, and in cases with sensory deficit, long term effects were poor (p<0.01, respectively).