We conducted a prospective randomized controlled study to evaluate whether continuous radiofrequency (CRF) combined with pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) to the Gasserian ganglion (GG) decreases the side effects of CRF while preserving efficacy. Sixty patients diagnosed with classic trigeminal neuralgia (TN) were treated with either 75 degrees C CRF for 120s to 180s (SCRF group), 75 degrees C CRF for 240 s to 300s (LCRF group), or 42 degrees C PRF for 10 minutes (min) followed by 75 degrees C CRF for 120s to 180s (PCRF group). Patients were assessed for pain intensity, quality of life (QOL), and intensity of facial dysesthesia before (baseline), and at seven days, three months, six months, and 12 months after the procedure. The efficacy in pain relief was most significant on the seventh day after treatment and there were no significant differences between groups. After 12 months, >70% of patients in each group had complete pain relief, and the QOL in all three groups had increased significantly compared to baseline. The intensity of facial dysesthesia was mildest in the SCRF group and most severe in the PCRF group on the seventh day after the procedure, but most persistent in the LCRF group. Patients who receive PRF combined with CRF to the GG can achieve comparable pain relief to those who receive CRF alone, and shorter exposure of CRF could result in less destruction of the target tissue. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.