Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of a child with primary trigeminal neuralgia: A case report

Abstract

Primary Trigeminal Neuralgia (PTN) is a paroxysmal severe pain that occurs in the distribution area of the trigeminal nerve in the head, face, and oral cavity, which is more common in middle-aged and elderly people. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice in which "treating internal diseases externally" is employed, and it refers to the use of both acupuncture and moxibustion. It has been reported in many literatures that acupuncture is effective in treating primary trigeminal neuralgia with few adverse reactions. This article reports on the case of a 9-year-old child with primary trigeminal neuralgia who, after experiencing some effectiveness but significant adverse reactions while using carbamazepine, was treated with acupuncture and moxibustion, resulting in a complete cure.