Ashi Scalp Acupuncture in the Treatment of Secondary Trigeminal Neuralgia Induced by Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating, and axonal degeneration disease of the central nervous system. Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), a neuropathic facial paroxysmal pain, is prevalent among MS patients. Because of the inadequacy of the comprehension of MS-related TN pathophysiological mechanisms, TN remains arduous in its treatment approaches. Acupuncture as a non-pharmacological therapy could be a promising complementary therapy for the treatment of TN. MS gradual neural damage might affect the muscles’ function. This can lead to acute or paroxysmal pain in the form of spasms that might progress to formation of myofascial trigger points also known in traditional Chinese medicine as Ashi points (AP). Localising these AP through palpation and pain sensation feedback in patients with MS is an indicator of disease progression. Pathologically, these points reveal the disharmony of soft tissue and internal organs. Methods: This case report examined the pain relief outcome with Ashi scalp acupuncture (ASA) in a secondary TN patient who was unsuccessfully treated multiple times with body acupuncture. The main outline measure was to quantify pain intensity using a numerical rating scale (NRS) before and after each acupuncture therapy. The patient was treated on the scalp for a total of eight times, twice a week over four weeks. Results: A reduction in secondary TN pain intensity was observed after each session. On average, the patient expressed severe pain (NRS: 8.0 ± 2.20) before ASA treatment, which significantly decreased after therapy to mild pain (NRS: 2.0 ± 1.64). Conclusions: Significant improvements in pain intensity reduction after each acupuncture treatment without any adverse effects were observed.