Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of radiofrequency on trigeminal neuralgia as the chief complaint of intracranial benign tumor. Methods 18 patients with intracranial benign tumor mainly presenting with trigeminal neuralgia were treated with radiofrequency thermocoagulation guided by CT scanning. The numeric rating scales (NRS) of pain and the complication were observed. Results The scores of NRS decreased significantly after treatment (P<0.01). The common complications included facial numbness and masticatory movement obstacle. One patient recurred 13 months and another patient recurred 24 months after operation. Both were treated with radiofrequency once again, and the pain ceased. Conclusion Radiofrequency is effective on secondary trigeminal neuralgia after intracranial benign tumor.

Key words: trigeminal neuralgia, radiofrequency, intracranial tumor, complication