Abstract

PRIETO, P. et al. Electroacupuncture in a case of postherpetic neuralgia with involvement of the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve. Rev. Soc. Esp. Dolor [online]. 2009, vol.16, n.8, pp.441-444. ISSN 1134-8046.

Postherpetic neuralgia consists of chronic neuropathic pain that appears as a complication of varicella-zoster virus infection and is characterized by intense and episodic pain. The treatment of choice is pharmacological but adequate therapeutic response is not always achieved, either due to drug intolerance or to inadequate pain control. We report the case of a woman with postherpetic neuralgia affecting the left ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve, in whom distinct drug treatments failed to achieve adequate pain control. Given this situation, electroacupuncture sessions were started, combined with pharmacological therapy. The frequency and intensity of the pain exacerbations progressively diminished, allowing drug treatment to be discontinued. Electroacupuncture can constitute a therapeutic alternative in patients with drug intolerance or inadequate control of neuropathic pain with pharmacological treatment.

Keywords : Management of trigeminal neuralgia; Acupuncture; Facial pain.

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