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

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.