Elderly Woman Finds Relief from Trigeminal Neuralgia through Balloon Compression Procedure

Trigeminal neuralgia, often referred to as the "suicidal disease," is one of the most common and painful conditions affecting the cranial nerves. Known for its sudden, sharp, and shock-like facial pain, it can be triggered by even the lightest touch. The pain typically occurs in the areas supplied by the trigeminal nerve—most commonly the upper and lower jaw, and less frequently the eye region. Episodes can last from a few seconds to several minutes and tend to increase in frequency and intensity over time, severely impacting the patient's quality of life.

Years of Pain Limit Daily Activities

For six years, an 83-year-old woman from Shanxi Province suffered from severe facial pain on the left side of her face, primarily around the nostril and upper lip. Initially, the pain was occasional and manageable, but over time it became more frequent and intense. Everyday activities like eating, brushing teeth, and speaking became challenging due to the risk of triggering a painful episode. As the condition worsened, she found herself unable to enjoy even the simplest pleasures without fear of another attack.

Medication Fails to Provide Long-Term Relief

In the early stages, she was prescribed carbamazepine, which offered temporary relief. However, by September of this year, even light contact with her mouth or nose could trigger unbearable pain. Increasing the dosage from two tablets a day to six did little to ease her discomfort. Sleep became elusive, and the constant pain left her emotionally drained and physically exhausted.

Seeking a Permanent Solution

After three months of worsening symptoms, she turned to Professor Ma Jiuhong, a specialist in functional neurological disorders at the Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital. Following a comprehensive evaluation of her medical history and diagnostic tests, she was diagnosed with primary trigeminal neuralgia. While microvascular decompression is often the gold standard for long-term pain relief, Professor Ma recommended a less invasive alternative—balloon compression—due to the patient's advanced age and the risks associated with open surgery.

Minimally Invasive Procedure Offers Immediate Relief

How the Balloon Compression Works

On December 10th, Professor Ma successfully performed the balloon compression procedure. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a small balloon was inserted through a needle placed at the oval foramen near the trigeminal nerve ganglion. The balloon was inflated to a pressure of 0.7ml for two and a half minutes, with an additional 30 seconds to ensure effective nerve fiber deactivation. The procedure was completed without the need for open surgery, and the incision was covered with a simple adhesive bandage.

Life Without Pain After Surgery

Nearly 20 days post-procedure, the patient reported dramatic improvement. "After the surgery, the pain completely disappeared," she said joyfully. "I can now eat, talk, and live normally again." This minimally invasive technique has allowed her to regain her independence and enjoy life without the constant fear of facial pain.