Ashi Scalp Acupuncture in the Treatment of Secondary Trigeminal Neuralgia Induced by Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating, and axonal degeneration disease of the central nervous system. Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), a neuropathic facial paroxysmal pain, is prevalent among MS patients. Because of the inadequacy of the comprehension of MS-related TN pathophysiological mechanisms, TN remains arduous in its treatment approaches. Acupuncture as a non-pharmacological therapy could be a promising complementary therapy for the treatment of TN. MS gradual neural damage might affect the muscles’ function. This can lead to acute or paroxysmal pain in the form of spasms that might progress to formation of myofascial trigger points also known in traditional Chinese medicine as Ashi points (AP). Localising these AP through palpation and pain sensation feedback in patients with MS is an indicator of disease progression. Pathologically, these points reveal the disharmony of soft tissue and internal organs. Methods: This case report examined the pain relief outcome with Ashi scalp acupuncture (ASA) in a secondary TN patient who was unsuccessfully treated multiple times with body acupuncture. The main outline measure was to quantify pain intensity using a numerical rating scale (NRS) before and after each acupuncture therapy. The patient was treated on the scalp for a total of eight times, twice a week over four weeks. Results: A reduction in secondary TN pain intensity was observed after each session. On average, the patient expressed severe pain (NRS: 8.0 ± 2.20) before ASA treatment, which significantly decreased after therapy to mild pain (NRS: 2.0 ± 1.64). Conclusions: Significant improvements in pain intensity reduction after each acupuncture treatment without any adverse effects were observed.

Neuropathic Pain Secondary to Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative Review

“…Non-pharmacological interventions play a significant role in managing MS symptoms. These interventions include neurostimulation therapy, exercise, psychological approaches, and complementary therapies such as acupuncture [ 39 ]. Evidence supporting transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, psychotherapy, transcranial stimulation, hydrotherapy, and reflexology is currently under construction [ 40 ].…”

“…Evidence supporting transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, psychotherapy, transcranial stimulation, hydrotherapy, and reflexology is currently under construction [ 40 ]. Acupuncture, particularly Ashi scalp acupuncture, shows promise as a complementary therapy for TN in MS patients, offering pain relief without adverse effects [ 39 ]. In addition, surgical options such as microvascular decompression and trigeminal rhizotomy are preferred for patients with neurovascular contact, providing significant pain relief for the majority of patients even several years after treatment [ 40 ].…”

“…Moreover, cognitive functions may suffer, with pain-related distractions impairing attention, memory, and decision-making. Ultimately, individuals with neuropathic pain often report lower quality of life scores across both physical and mental health domains, highlighting the profound impact of this condition on overall well-being [ 39 ].…”

Uso de Estimulação Auricular Transcutânea do Nervo Vago (taVNS) e Acupuntura Escalpeana Analisado por Termografia na Neuralgia do Trigêmeo

“…A duração de tratamento por acupuntura varia de 10 a 90 dias, com média de 20 a 30 dias. Há relato de acupuntura escalpeana para a neuralgia secundária do trigêmeo (1,3,4,7,8,9,10).…”