The pulsed radiofrequency procedure took place in a treatment room with full safety monitoring. Upon entering, I was positioned on a special bed and connected to monitoring equipment — a large grounding electrode in the form of a patch with a wire was placed on my arm. Even at this stage I felt some apprehension, but I tried to focus on the fact that I was in good hands.
The doctor disinfected the planned injection site and administered local anesthesia with lidocaine. The anesthesia itself was not particularly painful, but the subsequent insertion of a larger needle — near the angle of the jaw — proved to be the most difficult moment of the procedure for me. The needle was long because it had to reach the nerve in deeper structures. As it advanced through the tissues, I felt a sensation of pressure and mild pain, which caused tension and a brief wave of anxiety.
Stimulation Testing
Once the needle was properly positioned, the doctor verified its location by delivering stimulation pulses — first sensory, then motor. I felt characteristic "tapping" and twitching in my face. It was unusual and somewhat uncomfortable, but it also gave me reassurance that the procedure was progressing correctly and that the electrode was close to the trigeminal nerve branch.
The Radiofrequency Phase
When needle position was confirmed, a thin wire with an electrode was introduced and the actual pulsed radiofrequency procedure began. It involved delivering short pulses of radiofrequency current that heated the tissues to approximately 42–45°C — low enough not to damage the nerve, yet sufficient to inhibit the transmission of abnormal pain signals. The modulation lasted several minutes — three minutes of stimulation, a short pause, then another three minutes. During this time I felt no pain, just a gentle pulsing, like small "kicks" of current. For me it was more of a strange than painful sensation.
After the Procedure
After the procedure was completed, the needle was carefully removed, the injection site was disinfected and covered with a sterile dressing. The entire process took about 30 minutes, most of which was spent on preparation and precise needle placement. When the anesthesia began to wear off, pain appeared at the injection site — particularly on the left side of my face, near the angle of the jaw. The doctor reassured me that this was a natural tissue response to the intervention and the presence of a relatively thick needle. He also warned that I might experience localized soreness, mild numbness, or tenderness for a few days, which should gradually resolve.
The procedure was completed without complications. Because pulsed radiofrequency does not destroy the nerve, I have a chance of pain relief without the risk of permanent sensory damage. The analgesic effect may last for several months, and if needed, the procedure can be repeated.
Although the experience required courage and endurance, I feel grateful that I had the opportunity to undergo this method. I hope it will bring the relief I have been longing for and allow me to reclaim at least some normality in daily life. At the same time, I try to remember that results can vary and that the body does not always respond the way we wish. Despite this uncertainty, I leave with the feeling that I have taken an important step toward improving my health, and that gives me strength and motivation to look ahead with hope.
Thank you to Asia for sharing her account of the procedure, which allowed me to prepare and publish this article.
Have any of you undergone pulsed radiofrequency? What are your memories of the procedure, and did it bring the expected pain relief?
Natalia — since 2014 I've been living with trigeminal nerve pain. I write in plain language, based on reliable sources and personal experience. Read my story →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic facial pain condition. It manifests as sudden, severe, usually one-sided pain attacks — often described as an electric shock. A single attack typically lasts from a few seconds to about two minutes.
Do regular painkillers help with neuropathic pain?
Usually not. Neuropathic pain responds poorly to paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs. Instead, medications that act on nerves are used, such as anticonvulsants like carbamazepine.
Which doctor should I see for facial pain?
First, see a neurologist. If surgery is being considered, a neurosurgeon. If a dental cause is suspected, it is also worth ruling it out with a dentist.
Can trigeminal neuralgia be cured?
In many people, pain can be effectively controlled with medications or procedures, and MVD provides the most durable results in eligible patients. The course varies — with periods of remission and relapse. Decisions are made together with your doctor.
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