Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by severe and acute pain, usually located unilaterally in the lower jaw and side of the face, but can also occur in the upper jaw or in the area of the temple, forehead and eye.
This excruciating pain can recur several times a day and be triggered by movements such as talking and chewing. Often, the patient describes the pain as an “electric shock”, which is due to the abnormal electrical discharge of the trigeminal nerve cells.
How is trigeminal neuralgia managed?
Acupuncture has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health as a scientific therapeutic approach with an effective ability to relieve pain. Acupuncture is an extremely effective and safe method for treating trigeminal neuralgia.
Advantages of acupuncture:
- Absence of side effects.
- Patients notice significant pain relief with regular treatments.
- Partial relief may be experienced even after the first session.
The analgesic effect of acupuncture is due to increased levels of mediators, including endorphin, encephalin and serotonin, in the plasma and brain tissue.
Βιβλιογραφία
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Ahn CB, Lee SJ, Lee JC, Fossion JP, Sant’Ana A. A clinical pilot study comparing traditional acupuncture to combined acupuncture for treating headache, trigeminal neuralgia and retro-auricular pain in facial palsy. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2011 Mar;4(1):29-43.
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