Glycerol rhizotomy versus gamma knife radiosurgery for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: An analysis of patients treated at one institution

Conclusion: Despite greater facial numbness morbidity and a higher failure rate, GR provided more immediate pain relief than GK. GR therefore should be considered in patients with disabling trigeminal pain requiring urgent pain relief. For all other patients, GK provides better long-term pain relief with less treatment-related morbidity, and should therefore be considered the preferred treatment for patients with medically refractory trigeminal neuralgia who are not suitable candidates for microvascular nerve decompression.