J Korean Pain Soc.  2003 Jun;16(1):37-41.

The Effect of Lower Level Laser Therapy on Trigeminal Neuralgia

• Kim HK
• Jung JH
• Kim CH
• Kwon JY
• Baik SW

Abstract

BACKGROUND
S: Trigeminal neuralgia, or tic douloureux, is a severe chronic pain syndrome that is characterized by dramatic, brief stabbing or electric shock-like pain paroxysms felt in one or more divisions of the trigeminal distribution, either spontaneously, or on gentle tactile stimulation of a trigger point, on the face or in the oral cavity. Many treatment modalities have been introduced for the purpose of controlling the pain due to trigeminal neuralgia, such as pharmacotherapy, nerve block, neurolysis and surgical therapy. Our study was designed to investigate the effect on trigeminal neuralgia when lower level laser therapy, which is non-invasive and available, was performed. METHODS: Twenty five patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia were treated with He-Ne, Ga-Al-As (IR) and CO2 lasers, both with and without other medications. In order to determine the degree of pain relief, a visual analogue scale was used. RESULTS: Lower level laser therapy for the trigeminal neuralgia resulted in a significant decline in the visual analogue scale. The lower level laser therapy alone gave a more effective outcome compared with the combined adjuvantp pharmacotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that lower level laser therapy has a desirable effect on trigeminal neuralgia.

Keyword

Lower level laser therapy; Trigeminal neuralgia; Visual analogue scale

MeSH Terms

Chronic Pain
Drug Therapy
Humans
Laser Therapy*
Lasers, Gas
Mouth
Nerve Block
Trigeminal Neuralgia*
Trigger Points