What are the potential side effects of radiofrequency rhizotomy?
While radiofrequency rhizotomy is less invasive, less risky, and requires less time in the hospital than MVD, this technique also has a higher rate of pain recurrence. Radiofrequency rhizotomy also carries a greater risk of minor to severe post-surgical numbness, which can often be permanent. This procedure also carries the rare general surgical risks of infection and excessive bleeding, as well as excessive nerve injury, corneal numbness, anesthesia dolorosa, and intracranial hemorrhage.