Facial Pain

Med Hypotheses. 2010 Mar;74(3):505-7. Epub 2009 Nov 8.

Bioresonance hypothesis: a new mechanism on the pathogenesis of trigeminal neuralgia.

Jia DZ, Li G.

Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.

Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is an uncommon disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of lancinating pain in the trigeminal nerve distribution. To date, the precise mechanism for TN remains unclear. Among a variety of causes of TN, the microvascular compression (MVC) hypothesis is the most popular one, but controversies still focus on the origin and pathogenesis of the disorder. A number of clinical phenomena still cannot be well explained. We propose a new hypothesis on the pathogenesis of TN – bioresonance. The bioresonance hypothesis states that when the vibration frequency of a structure surrounding the trigeminal nerve becomes close to its natural frequency, the resonance of the trigeminal nerve occurs. The bioresonance can damage trigeminal nerve fibers and lead to the abnormal transmission of the impulse, which may finally result in facial pain. Under the guidance of the bioresonance hypothesis, we hope to explore more non-invasive methods to treat or even cure TN.

Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult. 2000 Nov-Dec;(6):29-32.

Physiopuncture therapy of trigeminal neuralgia

[Article in Russian]

Samosiuk IZ, Kozhanova AK, Samosiuk NI.

Abstract

137 patients with typical trifacial neuralgia (TN) were divided into four groups. 30 patients of group 1 received EHF therapy, 30 patients of group 2 were exposed to laser, 67 patients of group 3 were treated with combination of laser with EHF-puncture, 10 patients of group 4 were controls on conventional physiotherapy. Patients of all the groups were given drug of choice–carbamazepin. The highest response was registered in group 3, 21(31.3%) patients of which could stop carbamazepin, while 40(59.7%) patients reduced carbamazepin dose by 50-70%. Positive results were due to restoration of self-regulation in pain and antipain systems which are disturbed in TN patients

Anesth Pain Control Dent. 1992 Spring;1(2):85-9.

The management of craniofacial pain in a pain relief unit.

Hillman L, Burns MT, Chander A, Tai YM.

Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, United Kingdom.

This paper reports the results of 34 craniofacial pain sufferers who were treated at the Dudley Pain Relief Unit over a 1-year period. Most of the patients were referred by their general medical practitioners. They were adults representing all age groups, with a female-male ratio of 4:1. The average history of pain was 5.5 years. Neuralgic pain (as distinct from temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome, migrainous disorders, and pain of iatrogenic origin) was most frequently seen. Oral drug therapy, local injection of corticosteroids and analgesics, peripheral neurolysis, magnetotherapy, hypnotherapy, and acupuncture were the lines of management available. By the end of this study period, pain had been relieved or eliminated in 30 of the patients (88%).

Curr Rev Pain. 1999;3(5):342-347.

Sphenopalatine Ganglion Analgesia.

Day M.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Department of Anesthesiology, 3601 4th Street, Room 1C282, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.

The sphenopalatine ganglion and its involvement in the pathogenesis of pain has been the subject of debate for the last 90 years. The ganglion is a complex neural center composed of sensory, motor, and autonomic nerves, which makes it difficult to determine its pathophysiology. Current indications for blockade of the sphenopalatine ganglion include sphenopalatine and trigeminal neuralgia, migraine and cluster headaches, and atypical facial pain. Methods of blockade use local anesthetics, steroids, phenol, and conventional radiofrequency and electromagnetic field- pulsed radiofrequency lesioning. The techniques for blockade range from superficial to highly invasive. Efficacy studies, though few and small, show promise in patients who have failed pharmacologic or surgical therapies.

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