Successful treatment of a resistance trigeminal neuralgia patient by acupuncture

Successful treatment of a resistance trigeminal neuralgia patient by acupuncture

by | Mar 10, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a rare but debilitating neurological condition. It causes sudden, severe, stabbing facial pain, often triggered by simple actions like eating, speaking, or touching the face.

  • TN is often described as one of the most painful conditions known.
  • Standard treatments include anticonvulsant drugs such as carbamazepine, gabapentin, or phenytoin, as well as nerve blocks, microvascular decompression, and radiofrequency rhizotomy.
  • Unfortunately, many patients either experience limited relief or suffer from serious side effects such as dizziness, numbness, muscle weakness, or sensory loss.

This leaves patients searching for safer, more effective options.

My Training in Pain Management & Acupuncture

I was fortunate to complete my specialization in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) at the Pain Clinic, Orthopedics Department, University of São Paulo Medical School. Under the guidance of some of Brazil’s leading pain specialists, I learned effective acupuncture protocols for treating trigeminal neuralgia.

Today, I am applying those methods with patients in Canada who come to me after years of suffering from TN. Many arrive exhausted, unable to eat solid foods, or even talk without triggering pain. Some cry during their consultations, overwhelmed by the constant stress and intensity of their condition.

Acupuncture for Trigeminal Neuralgia: Patient Results

Several of my TN patients who had little relief from Western medicine (including long-term use of Tegretol®) experienced life-changing improvements with acupuncture:

  • Some report being pain-free for months, even over a year, with only maintenance sessions.
  • Others see a 50% or greater reduction in pain episodes.
  • Most importantly, they regain the ability to eat, talk, and live more normal lives.

One elderly patient, who had nearly given up hope, found significant relief after starting acupuncture on the recommendation of a friend.

Case Study: Acupuncture Success in Resistant TN

A 66-year-old woman had suffered TN pain for 25 years. Despite medications and procedures such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency rhizotomy, her pain persisted at the highest level (VAS 10/10).

She began acupuncture without changing her drug regimen:

  • Local points: TH17, TH21, GB2, SI18, ST2, ST3, ST7, GV26, LI20
  • Systemic points: TH5, LI4, ST36, ST44, ST45, LIV3
  • Auricular points: Shen Men, neuro, face, lung

Treatment schedule: 45 minutes, 3 times per week.

  • After 4 sessions: her pain was almost gone.
  • After 14 sessions: she became completely pain-free (VAS 0).
  • At 6 months, she remained pain-free with no major side effects.

Why Acupuncture Works for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Scientific studies show acupuncture helps by:

  • ✅ Releasing endorphins, enkephalins, and serotonin, natural chemicals that reduce pain
  • ✅ Regulating nerve function and calming hypersensitive pain pathways
  • ✅ Improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation
  • ✅ Offering a safe alternative with minimal side effects (occasional mild bruising or soreness)

Compared to invasive procedures and heavy drug regimens, acupuncture is a low-risk, evidence-supported therapy for trigeminal neuralgia.

Conclusion: Acupuncture as a Complementary TN Treatment

For patients with drug-resistant or surgery-resistant trigeminal neuralgia, acupuncture provides new hope. While it may not eliminate the condition entirely, many patients experience dramatic reductions in pain frequency and intensity, leading to a significantly improved quality of life.

If you or someone you love is struggling with trigeminal neuralgia, acupuncture may be the safe, effective, and natural solution you’ve been searching for.