The use of laser in nerve ablation is possible. The selective ablation of
one of the roots of the trigeminal nerve (in The Netherlands performed by
anaesthesiologist or radiologists) is a possible application. We ablate
using radiofrequency but the laser is as convenient. Furthermore, at some
time in the past (I guess around 1992) I heard a story about selective lysis
of the nerve in phrenic problems and unilateral sweating of the arms.
Whether the latter is all hear-say or actually performed in patients remains
unclear to me.

P.A. Brouwer MD(hon)
Dept. of Neurointerventional Radiology
Leiden University Medical Center
Leiden
The Netherlands
[log in to unmask]  or [log in to unmask]

On 10-10-2002 09:24, "Oduko, Jenny" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Perhaps the patient had heard about the use of physiotherapy diode lasers
> for pain relief (and wound healing).  This does not involve nerve ablation.
>
> A web search on "diode laser pain relief" will yield many commercial sites
> (some equine!) and a few scientific papers.
>
>
> Dr J M Oduko
> Medical Physics & Bioengineering Dept.
> Bristol General Hospital
> Bristol BS1 6SY
>
> 0117-928-6375
>
>> ----------
>> From:         O Hare, Neil (MPBE)[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
>> Reply To:     British Medical Laser Association
>> Sent:         10 October 2002 07:11
>> To:   [log in to unmask]
>> Subject:      Re: Glass panels in theatre doors
>>
>> Good Morning
>>
>> A quick query to the group. Is anybody familiar with the use of Lasers in
>> nerve ablation? I was recently asked this question in relation to a
>> patient
>> who some years ago underwent reconstructive facial surgery, but has been
>> left with fairly severe pain. This is apparently due to a trapped nerve
>> ending. The patient had heard about reports of the use of Lasers in the
>> treatment and cure of on-going superficial pain, but was unable to confirm
>> the report or find out any further info.
>> Many thanks for any help.
>> Regards
>> Neil
>>
>>
>> Dr. Neil O'Hare
>> Principal Physicist / Asst. Head of Dept.
>> Medical Physics & Bioengineering Dept.
>> Garden Hill House
>> St. James's Hospital
>> Dublin 8
>> Ireland
>> Ph: +353-1-4162769
>> Fx: +353-1-4103478
>> E-Mail: [log in to unmask]
>>
>>
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>