The Synergism and Attenuation Effects of Electroacupuncture in the Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Launched by YUANYUAN WU · Jul 10, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to treat trigeminal neuralgia (TN), a painful condition that affects the face and can cause severe discomfort, anxiety, and sleep problems. The study is looking at whether combining a special type of acupuncture called electroacupuncture (which uses small electrical currents) with the usual medicine, carbamazepine, can work better together to reduce pain and side effects. The goal is to find a safer and more effective treatment plan for people living with TN.

People who may join the study are adults between 18 and 75 years old who have been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia and are already taking carbamazepine or a similar medication. Participants need to be able to communicate clearly and understand their pain. The study will not include anyone with certain health issues like epilepsy, severe heart or liver problems, or those who are pregnant. If you qualify and choose to participate, you will receive electroacupuncture treatments alongside your current medication to see if this combination helps improve your symptoms with fewer side effects. The trial is not yet open for enrollment, but it aims to offer new hope for better pain relief in TN.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• * Participants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for this study:
• • 1. Met the diagnostic criteria for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) as defined in the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3) published by the International Headache Society (IHS) in 2018.
• • 2. Between 18 and 75 years old (inclusive), regardless of gender;
• • 3. Currently prescribed carbamazepine (400-800 mg/day) or oxcarbazepine (800-1600 mg/day);
• • 4. Conscious, alert, and capable of perceiving/differentiating pain, with basic communication abilities;
• • 5. Signed informed consent form and voluntary participation in the study.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• * Patients meeting any of the following criteria were excluded:
• • 1. Patients with epilepsy, head injury, or other relevant neurological disorders;
• • 2. Patients with severe cardiac, hepatic, or renal impairment;
• • 3. Patients with cognitive dysfunction, aphasia, psychiatric disorders, or those unable to cooperate with treatment;
• • 4. Patients with poorly controlled hypertension or hyperglycemia;
• • 5. Patients with a recent diagnosis of severe anxiety or depression;
• • 6. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients;
• • 7. Patients with pacemakers or other contraindications to electroacupuncture;
• • 8. Patients concurrently enrolled in other clinical studies.