BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Allodynia is a pain induced by stimuli which normally do not induce pain; it is caused by changes in sensory specificity. Acupuncture may be used for neuropathic pains such as allodynia or hyperalgesia. However, most studies in this area are in animal models. This study aimed at reporting the first case of efficacy of the association of acupuncture and amitriptyline in human being with tactile ear allodynia. CASE REPORT: Female patient, 46 years old, complaining of paroxysmal pain, in shock, triggered by touch on the right concha of the ear, irradiating to ipsilateral fundus, as a consequence of epidermoid carcinoma excision in cranial posterior fossa six years ago. Other sequelae of such surgery were right central facial paralysis and left hemiparesis; however they were not her current complaint. Previously, paroxysmal pain had been only partially controlled with amitriptyline, being patient then referred for tentative treatment with acupuncture. Two acupuncture points were selected by the manual technique, together with the maintenance of previous amitriptyline. There has been pain decrease, being that at fifth consultation patient has withdrawn the use of amitriptyline on her own. Pain had totally regressed after the seventh consultation. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture was effective to treat allodynia, with no symptoms recurrence even after six months without intervention or drug use. For being the first report of this association in human beings, specifically for allodynia, further studies are needed.

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Nunes, AB. Study of acupoints stomach 6 and stomach 7 on the algic control of symptomatic irreversible pulpits [dissertation]. São Paulo: Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Odontologia; 2014. Versão Corrigida. The term odontalgia emcompasses several diseases capable to cause pain, including symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP), characterized by an inflammatory peak which irreversibly affects the cells of the dental pulp, causing excruciating pain. The definitive treatment is preferably carried out by pulpectomy, or on the inability of it, through the exodonty. Until one of these therapies is established, acupuncture (a technique of traditional Chinese medicine through which thin needles are inserted into specific points of the human body aiming treat and prevent diseases) and pharmacotherapy may provisionally promote pain control. The drugs are capable of generating partial analgesia, but with a quota of side effects and contraindications, while acupuncture has few contraindications, low risk and proven analgesic efficacy in several algic conditions. According to the textbooks, many acupuncture points bring forward analgesic effectiveness in odontalgias, including the SIP. However, no studies that supported these conclusions were found. The aim of this study is to verify the existence of propensity of acupuncture analgesia through two points of easy access and application: stomach 6 (ST6) and stomach 7 (ST7), exclusively in individuals of SIP in just one tooth. The study was conducted in the Department of Emergency Dental FOUSP, following cross-over design in a single session, randomized, double-blind. It is observed that ST6 and ST7 points have a tendency to reduce the pain of SIP whether used before or after the respective placebo. Thus it suggests the need for further studies confirming its effectiveness, in order to enable the precise diagnostic and the breath for patients with one of the most intense odontalgias that are known.

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