Trigeminal Neuralgia Studies
12. In this study, researchers examined phenytoin and acupuncture for the treatment of various facial pain syndromes. Phenytoin is an anti-convulsant and anti-arrhythmic medication. Phenytoin (PHT) is also known as Dilantain, Hydantoin or Phenytek in the United States; Dilantain or Remytoine in Canada. Phenytoin (PHT) is especially useful for patients suffering from intractable oral and facial pain especially those who exhibit anger, stress, depression and irrational emotions commonly seen in the patients with oral and facial pain. When used properly, Phenytoin is also an effective anxiolysis drug in addition to its theraputic effects on pain and can be used alone or, even better, if combined with other compatible sedatives. Phenytoin is particularly valuable when combined with acupuncture for patients with trigeminal neuralgia, glossopharyneal neuralgia, Bell's palsy, and some other facial paralysis and pain.
Researchers found that by combining both acupuncture and PHT with Selective Drug Uptake Enhancement the treatment outcome was much better resulted with less recurrence and intensity of pain during episodes of attack.
16. Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a neuropathic pain syndrome characterized by severe unilateral paroxysmal facial pain. Pain attacks are usually stimulated by tactile irritation within the region of the trigeminal nerve. N pain typically remits and relapses, even when patients are on conventionally used treatments, resulting in a major source of disability and poor quality of life. Various drugs, such as carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, gabapentin and baclofen, have been used to treat TN. Additionally, several minimally invasive approaches, such as trigeminal nerve block at the level of the sphenopalatine ganglion, microvascular decompression, radiofrequency rhizotomy and botulinum toxin injection, have been performed for the relief of pain. However, none of these methods are free of complications. The most common adverse effects after minimal invasive approaches are paresthesia, facial sensory loss, weakness or paralysis of masseter muscles and, rarely, loss of the corneal reflex.
This case study followed a patient who had typical TN with severe pain. She had intractable pain and was seeking alternate treatments. Acupuncture improved the patient's pain. The researchers believe the analgesic effect of acupuncture is due to increased levels of mediators, including endorphin, encephalin and serotonin, in the plasma and brain tissue. Acupuncture is a highly safe procedure, with few complications reported. Most reported adverse effects are minimal and include bruising or hematoma at the needle site, metal allergy and local infection. Thus, acupuncture, which has virtually no adverse effects, may be an alternative method of treatment for such resistant patients.