Table 2 Outcome at 24 months according to the seven-scale modified Barrow Neurological Insitute pain intensity score (BNI) and the corresponding neurosurgical outcome (n = 115)

BNI I

Complete pain relief: No pain and no medication

80 (70)

Excellent

BNI II

Partial pain relief: Occasional pain but no medication required

12 (10)

Good

BNI III A

Partial pain relief: No pain but daily medication required

3 (2)

Good

BNI III B

Partial pain relief: Occasional pain but adequately controlled with medication

4 (3)

Good

BNI IV

Poor pain relief: reduced pain but not adequately controlled with medication

2 (2)

Poor

BNI V A

No pain relief

5 (4)

Failure

BNI V B

Aggravation of pain

2 (2)

Failure

Subsequent neurosurgical treatment before 24 months follow-up

7 (6)

Failure

Total

115