First-in-World Procedure Provides Relief for “Suicide Disease” Patient

In December, a mother of four became the first patient in the world to undergo trigeminal nerve ablation using a new system called OneRF at University Hospitals in Ohio, the NY Post reported. Natisha “Tish” Long received the treatment to alleviate severe facial pain caused by the neurological condition often called the “suicide disease.”

Living with Trigeminal Neuralgia

Long’s symptoms began in 2018 with a tingling sensation in her upper jaw. Multiple dental visits failed to identify an issue, and prescribed mouthwashes and toothpastes provided no relief as the pain spread to her lower jaw. A physician later suggested facial neuropathy, prescribing gabapentin and carbamazepine. While these medications initially helped, the episodes eventually broke through the treatment.

Trigeminal neuralgia typically occurs when a blood vessel presses against the trigeminal nerve near the brainstem, damaging its protective covering and causing erratic pain signals. Dr. Michael Staudt, a neurosurgeon at University Hospitals who treated Long, explained that the resulting sensation is a shocking, shooting, stabbing, and lancing pain. Research shows that patients with this condition face an increased risk of suicide and self harm due to the severity of the episodes and emotional distress.

“You can’t smile, you can’t brush your teeth, you can’t wash your face,” Long said. “Any little thing, the wind hitting it, it’s pain.”

Long tries OneRF after decompression surgery fails

Because medications stopped working and can cause side effects like brain fog, confusion, and weight gain, Long previously underwent microvascular decompression. This standard surgical procedure moves the problematic blood vessel away from the nerve using a sterile piece of Teflon. Although the surgery was initially successful, her pain eventually returned with greater intensity.

To address the recurrence, Long opted for a radiofrequency ablation using a newly developed system called OneRF. During an ablation, pain signals are stopped but numbness is caused. Staudt noted that while ablation takes 20 to 30 minutes, the relief typically lasts between two and five years on average before nerve fibers recover.

The OneRF system is provided by NeuroOne. University Hospitals was the first health system to offer this technology.

OneRF procedure provides immediate relief from pain

The December procedure provided immediate relief from the electrical shocks. Long reported feeling facial numbness comparable to the sensation after dental work, but without the recurring pain triggers.

“When I came back to work, everybody was like, Oh, you’re smiling!” Long said.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trigeminal Nerve Ablation

How long does the OneRF procedure take compared to traditional brain surgery?

Microvascular decompression is a brain surgery that can take three-ish hours requiring a hospital stay of a couple of days, whereas radiofrequency ablation is minimally invasive and takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes.

What causes trigeminal neuralgia according to treating physicians?

The most common form of the condition happens when a blood vessel presses against the trigeminal nerve near the brainstem, damaging its protective covering and triggering erratic pain signals.

What are the typical side effects of medications used for trigeminal neuralgia?

Medications like gabapentin and carbamazepine can cause side effects including brain fog, confusion, and weight gain, and at least 30 percent of patients do not experience lasting relief from drugs alone.