Neuromodulation in Pain Therapy of Mononeuropathies - Why not by Acupuncture?

摘要

Introduction: Neuromodulation, the alteration of nerve activity through targeted delivery of a stimulus, has a long history:from times of ancient cultures1 to modern implantable devices2, or external electrical field stimulation3. Application islimited by a number of factors (anatomy, availability, economy, accuracy of targeting). Acupuncture is widely used 4. Thetreatment of painful neuropathies of small nerves can be a challenge.Background: Acupuncture-points are often located at anatomical key points in the course of nerves: n.occ.maj. passesthrough the m.trapezius inf. to the occiput (Bl10) and radiates sagittally on the scalp towards the fontanella (LG20) (n.occ.min.: from behind the m.sternocleidomast. at Gb20 to scalp parasagittally); N.infraorbit.inf., running to front teeth andmedian maxilla, covers St1-5 and LI-202 Case Reports: A 34yr old female patient with occipital nerve neuralgia of the greater occ. nerve (IHS-Criteria 5) underwent electroacupuncture of acu-points Bl10 right-left and LG20 ant.-post. , needles placed with de-Qi-sensation, onceper week, 20 min., series of 10 treatments. She experienced significant improvement, with pain reduction starting after the2nd treatment, being longlastingly painfree and without medication after the 5th treatment.