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Motor cortex and deep brain stimulation for the treatment of intractable neuropathic face pain

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Abstract

Intractable neuropathic face pain is a syndrome of unremitting severe pain that stems from abnormal nociceptive processing at various levels of the trigeminal system. Treatment of this debilitating condition has long presented a challenge for physicians due to its refractoriness to standard pharmacologic therapies. With few viable treatments, surgical procedures such as motor cortex stimulation (MCS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) provide additional options. This article reviews the current literature and practices regarding patient selection criteria, potential mechanisms of action, surgical technique, and outcome of patients with neuropathic face pain treated with MCS and DBS.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Kendall H. Lee

Authors
  1. Laneshia Thomas
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  2. Jonathan M. Bledsoe
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  3. Paola Sandroni
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  4. Deborah Gorman
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  5. Kendall H. Lee
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Correspondence to Kendall H. Lee.

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Thomas, L., Bledsoe, J.M., Sandroni, P. et al. Motor cortex and deep brain stimulation for the treatment of intractable neuropathic face pain. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 9, 120–126 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-009-0020-y

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