engleski

Use of low level laser therapy in the treatment of persistent idiopathic orofacial pain and traumatic trigeminal neuropathy- a pilot study

Background: Nerve recovery in the orofacial region is not completely satisfactory. Nowadays, low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been recognized and accepted as a possible therapeutic option in various states of nerve damage throughout the body. LLLT is noninvasive and there are only few contraindications for its use. Therefore, the effect of LLLT on patients with idiopathic orofacial pain and traumatic trigeminal neuropathy was assesed. Methods: Twenty one patient was enrolled in this pilot study, there were 10 patients with persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP) and 11 patients with traumatic trigeminal neuropathy (TTN). Each patient was treated once daily in 10 sessions using a GaAlAs laser (830 nm, 3 W, 50 ms, 50 Hz which is equivalent to an energy density of 1.5 J/cm2). The outcome ot LLLT was evaluated by means of a patient survey on the relief of symptoms (0=no imporvement, 1=partial improvement, 2=complete improvement). Statistical analysis was performed by use of descriptive statistics and when needed by use of chi-square test. Values lower than 0.05 were considered as significant. Results: Complete improvement of symptoms was seen in 70% of the patients with PIFP and in 36.4% of patients with TTN. LLLT showed no improvement in 10% with PIFP and 45.4% of patients with TTN. Conclusion: It might be concluded that LLLT is beneficial in patients with persistent idiopathic orofacial pain and traumatic trigeminal neuropathy. Keywords: Low level laser therapy, idiopathic orofacial pain, persistent idiopathic facial pain, traumatic trigeminal neuropathy

low level laser therapy ; idiopathic orofacial pain ; persistent idiopathic facial pain ; traumatic trigeminal neuropathy

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