Clinical Research Of Using Acupuncture And Pricking And Cupping Method In The Treatment Of Trigeminal Neuralgia

ObjectiveTrigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is the chronic neurological disease characterized as recurrent, transient and paroxysmal pain in the trigeminal nerve distribution. It causes short electronic-shock-like, stabbing and tearing pain, and it could be induced by washing, brushing, chewing and talking etc, which seriously infects people's daily life. TN is divided into two kinds, which are primary (idiopathic) and secondary (symptomatic) ones. We are not quite clear about the etiology and pathogenesis of TN, the scholars from all around the world put forward many theories, but none of them could make a prefect explanation. Modern therapies such as medicine and surgery have adverse reactions and drug resistance. However, Comparing with modern therapies, traditional Chinese medicine has merits of non-side effects and non-risks, and has accumulated rich experiences.Methods:Study was performed on 60 patients with TN coming from in-patient of acupuncture department of Taihe Hospital, who were randomly divided into 2 groups:acupuncture and pricking and cupping group, which was composed of 30 patients; control group, comprised 30 patients treated by Western medicine-Carbamazepine Tablets. We compare the scores of symptoms and adverse reactions, then study the comparability, differences and superiority.Results:1. The improved rates of the two groups were 86.67% and 50% respectively. There were significant differences between the two groups (P<0.05), obviously, the treatment group was superior to the western medicine group.2. The treatment group and control group had no significant differences in the degree of pain(P<0.05).3. There were no significant differences in adverse reactions (P>0.05); control group had significant adverse reactions (P<0.01).4. The treatment group had no obvious adverse reactions after the treatment.5. In control group, there are 1 case of dizzy.3 cases of drowsy,3 cases of dry-mouth,4 cases of nausea and vomiting,3 cases of loss of appetite and anorexia, constipation in 8 cases,2cases of abnormal liver function,4cases in blood abnormality,3 cases of abnormal renal function,2cases of akathisia,9cases of skin symptoms, all 24 patients had varying degrees of adverse reactions.Conclusion:The two therapies both have good effect in treating TN, but the treatment group is significantly better than the control group, besides, the former had no significant adverse reactions, which is worth of clinical application.