Percutaneous rhizotomy procedures—such as glycerol injection, radiofrequency lesioning, or balloon compression—use a needle-based approach through the cheek to treat the trigeminal nerve root. These minimally invasive techniques disrupt pain fibers and can provide rapid relief for severe trigeminal neuralgia.

They’re often recommended when medications stop working and surgery isn’t an option. While results may not last as long as MVD, rhizotomy can be repeated safely if pain returns.