Trigeminal Neuralgia
摘要
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is described as a unilateral sharp pain that starts suddenly or triggered by an ordinary action (e.g., washing, shaving, talking, brushing teeth, or even a gentle contact to mucosa or skin). The exact pathogenesis of TN is not clearly understood, and there is no test to diagnose this condition. Although various drugs and procedures are currently available for the treatment of TN, their success rates remain notably low. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has emerged as an interesting treatment option in patients with neuralgias (e.g., postherpetic and trigeminal) and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, these therapeutic experiences encouraged the suggestion that PBM may induce pain relief without any side effects for TN. It may also be an interesting adjuvant tool for those patients tolerant to drug therapies.