University of Alberta Launches Clinical Trial for Trigeminal Neuralgia

The University of Alberta has initiated a clinical trial focusing on trigeminal neuralgia, a condition characterized by severe facial pain. Approximately 700 new cases are diagnosed annually in Alberta.

Background on Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia causes intense, stabbing facial pain triggered by routine activities such as eating or brushing teeth. Current treatments involve nerve pain medications, which are repurposed anti-seizure drugs. These medications can cause side effects such as blurry vision, imbalance, and allergies.

For about half of patients, the effectiveness of these medications may diminish over time.

Non-invasive Gamma Knife radiation surgery has been an option for patients when medications are no longer effective. However, delayed application of Gamma Knife treatment has been associated with a lower likelihood of long-term remission.

Pioneering a New Approach: The Clinical Trial

Associate professor of surgery and neurosurgery research director Tejas Sankar and his team are recruiting 80 patients across Alberta for a new trial.

The trial will compare immediate Gamma Knife neurosurgery with standard medication treatment.

Half of the enrolled patients will receive standard medication. The other half will undergo "ultra-early" Gamma Knife surgery at the Scott and Brown Families Gamma Knife Centre at the University of Alberta Hospital. Patients in the medication group will have the option to receive Gamma Knife treatment later if they choose.

The Rationale: Brain Changes and Early Intervention

Research conducted by Sankar's team using functional MRI suggests that living with trigeminal neuralgia can alter brain function. The clinical trial aims to intervene before these brain changes become permanent.

Findings indicate that prolonged experience with the condition correlates with more lasting structural and functional changes in the brain.