Abstract: Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency thermocoagulation guided by spiral CT on severe trigeminal neuralgia in the oldest old patients. Methods 21 patients above 80 with severe idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia were treated with radiofrequency thermocoagulation guided by spiral CT. They were assessed with numeric rating scales (NRS) and the complication were observed. Results The scores of NRS decreased significantly after treatment (P<0.01). No serious complication was observed after treatment. One patient recurred 23 months after operation, and the pain released after radiofrequency thermocoagulation once again. Conclusion Radiofrequency thermocoagulation guided by spiral CT is effective and safe for severe trigeminal neuralgia in the oldest old patients.

Key words: radiofrequency thermocoagulation, oldest old, trigeminal neuralgia