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Clinical Efficacy of Two Different Low-Level Laser Therapies for the Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a disease that causes severe pain that can seriously affect the quality of life. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two different low-level laser therapies (LLLT) as alternatives to medical treatment to reduce pain and improve the quality of life in patients with TN. Methods: A total of 45 patients were randomly divided into 3 groups. In the first group, a new-generation diode laser (GRR laser) was applied at predetermined points in the trigeminal nerve line. In the second group, a low-level neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser was applied along the affected nerve line. The placebo group received the same protocol with a Nd:YAG laser without the device switched on. The scores were recorded pre- and post-treatment using the Brief Pain Inventory-Facial (BPI-facial) scale. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the pre- and post-treatment values of all four variables in the GRR laser, Nd:YAG laser, and placebo groups. When the post-treatment values were compared, statistically significant differences were found between the groups in pain frequency, pain intensity, and interference in facial-specific activities, but no differences were found in general activities. Conclusions: Both LLLTs can be considered alternative treatment modalities for TN, but the GRR laser treatment was more effective than the Nd:YAG laser treatment in reducing pain and improving the quality of life in patients with TN.
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13226890
Authors: İrem Karagözoğlu, Nermin Demirkol, Özge Parlar Öz, Gökçe Keçeci, Beste Çetin, Mutlu Özcan
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,955
OpenAlex ID: W4404495411
FWCI: 1.603
Cites: 32
Cited by: 7
Related to: 10