Facial Pain
Several studies have reported acupuncture giving relief of facial pain of various origins. Of 43 patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia, 36 obtained complete relief with daily electroacupuncture (Silva 1989). Both acupuncture and standard occlusal splint treatment were effective for long-standing facial pain, with no difference between the two treatment groups, both of which were significantly better than no treatment (Johansson et al 1991). Other studies have shown similar positive results (Hansen & Hansen 1983, Lundeberg et al 1988).
Silva S A 1989 Acupuncture for the relief of pain of facial and dental origin. Anesthesia Progress 36(4-5):244-245.
Johansson A, Wenneberg B, Wagersten C, Haraldson T 1991. Acupuncture in treatment of facial muscular pain. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica 49:153-158.
Hansen P E, Hansen J H 1983 Acupuncture treatment of chronic facial pain -a controlled cross-over trial. Headache 23(2):66-69. RESULTS: Reduction in pain scores after acupuncture was significantly greater than that after placebo.
Lundeberg T, Hurtig T, Lundeberg S, Thomas M 1988 Longterm results of acupuncture in chronic head and neck pain. Pain Clinic 2(1):15-31. RESULTS: 30 patients with trigeminal neuralgia. 17 recorded pain relief after segmental acupuncture.
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