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Current Pain and Headache Reports
Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports 4/2024

29-01-2024 | Trigeminal Neuralgia | Non-pharmacologic Aspects of Pain, Migraine, and Headache (D Buse, Section Editor)

Complementary and Integrative Medicine for the Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia and Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgia

Authors: Deena E. Kuruvilla, Lauren Natbony, Brijesh Chandwani, Adelene Jann, Brooklyn A. Bradley, Niushen Zhang

Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports | Issue 4/2024

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) are both painful diseases which directly impact the branches of the trigeminal nerve, which supply the face. Patients who have experienced adverse effects, have not responded to mainstream treatments, or have a personal preference for nonmedication options, often turn to complementary and integrative medicine (CIM). The aim of this review is to discuss the efficacy and safety of CIM therapies available for the treatment of TN and TACs.

Recent Findings

Not only are there limited therapeutic options for TN and TAC patients, but also is there a proportion of patients who are intolerant to standard medical treatments. Recent findings have illustrated that 86% of patients with headache disorders utilize CIM modalities in combination with mainstream medical therapy.

Summary

CIM modalities can be helpful for these diseases and have primarily been studied in combination with standard medical therapy. There is limited evidence for CIM and behavioral therapies in managing these conditions, and more research is needed to confirm which therapies are safe and effective.
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Metadata
Title
Complementary and Integrative Medicine for the Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia and Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgia
Authors
Deena E. Kuruvilla
Lauren Natbony
Brijesh Chandwani
Adelene Jann
Brooklyn A. Bradley
Niushen Zhang
Publication date
29-01-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Pain and Headache Reports / Issue 4/2024
Print ISSN: 1531-3433
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3081
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-024-01212-y

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