Case Report: Use of High-Intensity Laser Therapy for Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia represents a form of chronic facial pain that is characterized by its incapacitating nature. The current therapeutic approaches encompass pharmacological agents with carbamazepine or non-pharmacologic options including utilization of percutaneous rhizotomy, Gamma knife radiosurgery or microvascular decompression may be indicated in certain cases. While the interventions may be effective, medications have negative side effects and procedures are invasive which can pose challenges for patients with various comorbidities. High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) has demonstrated safety and efficacy for many types of chronic pain such as musculoskeletal, autoimmune and neuropathic. Herein, we demonstrate the benefits of HILT therapy in the management of trigeminal neuralgia in a 72 year-old patient with a complex history of facial surgery and radiation who had failed pharmacological treatments and denied any invasive procedures.

Plain language summary

Trigeminal neuralgia causes severe facial pain, often requiring medications or invasive procedures. High-intensity laser therapy (HILT), known for treating many chronic pains, was explored for a 72 year-old patient with a complex medical history. Previous treatments had failed, and alternatives carried risks. HILT, a safe approach improving blood flow, was given for 3 days, targeting the painful area in the face. The patient experienced improved tissue oxygen supply and pain relief. The follow-up visit at 4 weeks showed sustained relief, enhanced jaw movement and no side effects. Although promising, further research is needed to confirm HILT’s effectiveness for trigeminal neuralgia on a larger scale.

Tweetable abstract

In this article, the authors demonstrate the usage of high-intensity laser therapy in management of trigeminal neuralgia in an elderly patient with multiple comorbidities.

Author contributions

D Martinez: background research, introduction, discussion and conclusion authorship. B Huh: device educator, clinical expertise, clinical case authorship. S Javed: clinical case authorship, principle investigator, clinical expertise and provider of case.

Financial disclosure

The authors have no financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Competing interests disclosure

The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, stock ownership or options and expert testimony.

Writing disclosure

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Ethical conduct of research

The authors state that they have obtained verbal and written informed consent from the patient for the inclusion of their medical and treatment history within this case report.