Clinical Report: Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Overview

This systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of various acupuncture techniques for primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN). Bloodletting therapy was associated with improvements in total effective rate and visual analogue scale scores, while acupuncture combined with conventional Western medicine was associated with reductions in attack frequency and improvements in traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores.

Background

Primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN) is a debilitating neuropathic pain disorder with limited long-term treatment options. Current management primarily relies on medications and surgery, both of which have significant drawbacks. There is interest in alternative treatments like acupuncture.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Bloodletting therapy was associated with an improvement in total effective rate (RR = 2.00).
• Bloodletting therapy was associated with a reduction in visual analogue scale scores (MD = 0.07).
• Acupuncture combined with conventional Western medicine was associated with a reduction in attack frequency (MD = 0.05).
• This combination was associated with improvements in traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores (SMD = 0.15).
• Acupuncture combined with conventional medicine was associated with a lower risk of adverse events (OR = 0.18).

Clinical Implications

Different acupuncture modalities may provide varying benefits for managing PTN.

Conclusion

This analysis presents findings on acupuncture as a therapeutic option for PTN, though further studies are warranted.

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9. Full article: Updated Evidence of Acupuncture for Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with GRADE Assessment
10. [Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic and secondary trigeminal neuralgia (2025 edition)] - PubMed