Treatment of postsurgical trigeminal neuralgia with Fu’s subcutaneous needling therapy resulted in prompt complete relief: Two case reports

Abstract

Rationale: Trigeminal neuralgia is a recurrent unilateral transient electroshock-like pain. Fu’s subcutaneous needling (FSN), used to treat the musculoskeletal problems, has not been reported in this field. Patient concerns: The pain extent of case 1 had no reduction after the previous microvascular decompression, the pain of case 2 relapsed 4 years after the microvascular decompression. Diagnoses: Postsurgical trigeminal neuralgia. Interventions: FSN therapy was applied on the muscles around the neck and face area, which the myofascial trigger points were palpated in these muscles. The FSN needle was inserted into the subcutaneous layer and the needle tip was pointed toward the myofascial trigger point. Outcomes: The following outcome measurements were observed before and after treatment, including numerical rating scale, Barrow Neurology Institute Pain Scale scores, Constant Face Pain Questionnaire scores, Brief Pain Inventory-Facial scores, Patient Global Impression of Change scores, and medication dosage. The follow-up surveys were made after 2 and 4 months respectively. The pain of Case 1 was significantly reduced after 7 times FSN treatments and the pain of Case 2 was even disappeared after 6 times FSN treatments. Lessons: This case report suggested that FSN can relieve postsurgical trigeminal neuralgia safely and effectively. Clinical randomized controlled studies are needed to be further conducted.