Efficacy of Electroacupuncture Combined With Pregabalin in the Treatment of Trigeminal Herpetic Neuralgia: a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial Study Protocol

Launched by THE THIRD PEOPLE'S HOSPITAL OF HANGZHOU · Feb 7, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at the effectiveness of a treatment called electroacupuncture combined with a medication called pregabalin for people suffering from trigeminal herpetic neuralgia, a type of pain that can be very uncomfortable and affects many individuals. The researchers want to see if electroacupuncture, which is a safe and well-accepted treatment that uses electrical stimulation at acupuncture points, can help relieve this pain and whether it could be a good alternative to pregabalin.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with this type of pain, is between 18 and 85 years old, and has been experiencing it for 1 to 3 months with a moderate pain level (rated between 4 and 7 on a scale), you might be eligible to participate. Participants in the trial will receive either the combination treatment or standard care and will be monitored for their pain levels and overall responses. It's important for participants to understand the study and provide consent before joining. The trial is currently recruiting, and the goal is to find safe and effective ways to manage this painful condition.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. meet the aforementioned diagnostic criteria for trigeminal ZAP, with a disease duration of 1 to 3 months;
• • 2. have a visual analog scale (VAS) score of 4 points ≤ VAS ≤ 7 points;
• • 3. be between 18 and 85 years old, regardless of gender;
• • 4. have clear consciousness, the ability to distinguish pain, and complete basic communication;
• • 5. voluntarily participate in the study, sign a written informed consent form, and fully understand the plan.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. do not meet the above-mentioned inclusion criteria;
• • 2. have concomitant herpes zoster on the trunk or extremities, or other special types of herpes zoster like meningeal herpes zoster or visceral herpes zoster;
• • 3. are pregnant or lactating patients;
• • 4. are allergic to pregabalin or acupuncture stimulation;
• • 5. have severe organ damage, cognitive dysfunction, mental disorder, aphasia, or other serious diseases that hinder cooperation with treatment;
• • 6. have severe skin diseases;
• • 7. have a pacemaker;
• • 8. have been or are currently participating in other clinical studies within the past 3 months.