Red Light Therapy for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Red Light Therapy for Trigeminal Neuralgia
• How Red Light Therapy Helps Relieve Nerve Pain in Trigeminal Neuralgia
• The Science Behind Red Light Therapy for Nerve Regeneration
• Does Red Light Therapy Work for Trigeminal Neuralgia? What Research Says
• Clinical Studies on Red Light Therapy for Trigeminal Neuralgia Patients
• Choosing the Right Red Light Therapy Device for Nerve Pain Relief
• Total Spectrum Devices: Tailored Red Light Therapy for Nerve Healing
• Best Practices for Using Red Light Therapy for Trigeminal Neuralgia Relief
• Conclusion: The Role of Red Light Therapy in Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment
• FAQs: Addressing Common Questions

Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia: Causes and Symptoms

Trigeminal neuralgia is a long-term condition that causes facial pain. It happens when the trigeminal nerve, which carries feelings from your face to your brain, becomes irritated, compressed, or injured. There are three branches of this nerve, which are responsible for controlling sensations in various regions of the face, the cheeks, the forehead, and the jaw. When this nerve becomes irritated or compressed, even a light touch or movement in the face can lead to stabbing, severe, shock-like pain.

Due to this pain, an individual might be unable to carry out daily activities like shaving, brushing, applying makeup, speaking, or chewing. This condition usually results in depression and stress since sudden attacks of sharp pain are extremely disruptive. The most likely cause of trigeminal neuralgia is pressure on the nerve, usually from a blood vessel compressing the nerve. Some other causes might be nerve damage, multiple sclerosis, or degenerative change. In a few instances, no cause can be identified.

Trigeminal neuralgia symptoms are painful, stabbing, or shock-like pain on one side of the face. They last between a few seconds and a couple of minutes and can appear multiple times daily. Trigeminal neuralgia patients tend to show extreme frustration and despair because of the unpredictable and severe nature of the condition.

Challenges with Traditional Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatments

It is common to try traditional treatments in an effort to rid oneself of the piercing, jolting pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia. Still, instead of long-lasting relief, most people develop other illnesses and become frustrated. Traditional treatments for trigeminal neuralgia generally consist of medications, injections, or surgery; however, these treatments only mask the symptoms, not the underlying cause of TN, which is the compressed or irritated nerve.

The most common conventional treatment is the use of anticonvulsant medication to calm nerve activity. These medications may relieve pain at first, but the effect then eventually wears off, and thus higher doses are required that can cause side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, nausea, or confusion. Certain patients do not experience any relief from these drugs and are advised to undergo operations like nerve blocks or surgery to reduce pressure on the trigeminal nerve. These interventions, however, can be invasive, costly, and sometimes lead to complications like numbness of the face or aggravation of the pain.

Collectively, these ancient practices and their limitations are psychologically exhausting on persons with frequent, repetitive episodes of crushing pain that evoke anxiety, stress, and depression.

Red light therapy is a drug-free and non-surgical treatment that utilizes low wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. The red and near-infrared light wavelengths penetrate deep into the tissues and activate natural healing processes. When this light penetrates deep into the tissues, it's absorbed into the mitochondria. Mitochondria are cellular organelles responsible for the generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Mitochondria begin to produce more energy in the form of ATP by absorbing near-infrared and red light. ATP facilitates cellular regeneration and recovery. A cellular energy boost helps repair injured nerves and stimulate regeneration.

In individuals with trigeminal neuralgia, red light therapy not only boosts the production of energy in neurons but also stimulates blood flow and eliminates inflammatory responses and chronic pain. The increased blood flow enables nerves to heal more quickly by bringing in more nutrients and oxygen. Red light therapy also shields the nerves from additional damage by lessening inflammation and chronic pain. Chronic inflammation and pain, as you are aware, are harmful and can convert the body's protective response into a harmful one. Thus, red light therapy diminishes inflammation by blocking the production of inflammatory cytokines and eases pain by inducing the release of endorphins, natural pain killers in the body.

Scientific studies on red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy, for trigeminal neuralgia are in their infancy but are promising. Numerous studies indicate that red light therapy reduces pain and stimulates nerve healing by boosting energy production and blood flow. Experiments also indicate that red light therapy reduces pain and inflammation that keep nerves from healing.

Study 1: Photobiomodulation as a Promising Alternative Therapy for Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Objective

The main objective of this review was to evaluate whether photobiomodulation (low-level laser or red light therapy) is an effective and harmless treatment for trigeminal neuralgia compared to the standard treatment, such as medications or surgery.

Results

Researchers looked at research papers from 1983 to 2018 and chose six studies that met their criteria. These trials involved a combined total of 193 individuals with trigeminal neuralgia. Photobiomodulation was used alone and in addition to other treatments, such as medication and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation). Outcomes were that photobiomodulation worked as well as conventional therapy in reducing pain with minimal side effects. A few of the studies did have some minor issues with randomization and blinding techniques.

Conclusion

Photobiomodulation shows promise as an adjunctive treatment for the management of trigeminal neuralgia. While preliminary results are encouraging and equal to those of traditional treatments in terms of pain relief, more high-quality studies need to be undertaken to establish its long-term effects and to determine optimal treatment regimens.

Study 2: Evaluating Photobiomodulation Therapy for Trigeminal Nerve Recovery.

Objective

The key aim of the present review was to examine whether photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) using red and near-infrared (NIR) light can promote the regeneration of trigeminal nerve branches after trauma. The authors were interested in understanding whether PBMT can increase mitochondrial energy function, reduce the manifestations of nerve damage, and improve nerve regeneration in animal and human experiments.

Results

The findings revealed that the effectiveness of photobiomodulation is clearly supported by biological and physical evidence. Mitochondria play a leading role, as they absorb light energy through their cytochromes or indirectly by absorbing energy from water molecules. This light absorption enhances cellular energy generation, which causes restoration of damaged nerves. Preclinical and clinical trials yielded encouraging results, some wavelengths and dosages — e.g., 808 nm with a dose of 100 J/cm² in animal models and 800 nm with a dose of 12 J/cm² in human models, proving effective to induce nerve regeneration and alleviate neuropathic pain.

Conclusion

Photobiomodulation therapy shows excellent potential as a safe and effective technique for the healing of trigeminal nerve injury and restoration of nerve function. Its therapeutic mechanism is strongly related to promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism, reducing inflammation, and improving nerve regeneration. Even though these results are promising, the review suggests that more large-scale and long-term studies be conducted to determine the optimal treatment settings and ensure that the results can be replicated for different types of nerve injuries. 

Study 3: Clinical Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Treating Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Objective

The purpose of this research was to compare how effective two low-level laser therapies (LLLT), namely GRR laser and Nd: YAG laser, can be as alternative treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia. The objective was to observe how effective these treatments are in lessening pain and enhancing the quality of life of the patients when compared with a placebo treatment.

Results

Forty-five patients were allocated to three groups. Both placebo and laser treatments showed improvement, although the GRR and Nd: YAG laser groups experienced a notable reduction in the frequency and intensity of pain. The GRR laser group had the best overall results, with more relief from pain and improvement in facial activities than the Nd: YAG and placebo groups.

Conclusion

Both laser treatments were effective and safe options for medication management of trigeminal neuralgia. The GRR laser, however, was more successful than the Nd: YAG laser in minimizing pain and improving the overall quality of life in patients.

Key Features to Look for in an Effective Device

If you want to try red light treatment for trigeminal neuralgia yourself, it is essential to invest in a high-quality device. There are several devices available in the market, which are cheap but unreliable and of little use. Apart from aggravating your disease, these devices tend to cause irritation and reddening of the skin. Try for the following features in order to buy a good device:

Specific Wavelength

Your equipment should emit the appropriate range of red and near-infrared light. For trigeminal neuralgia, your equipment should emit red light at 610, 630, 633, 650, and 660 nm, as well as near-infrared light at 810, 830, 850, 904, and 1064 nm because such wavelengths are successful in stimulating nerve regeneration, alleviating pain and inflammation, and improving blood circulation to repair nerves more quickly.

FDA-Approved

Your device should be approved by the FDA or issued a safety certificate by a country-based agency, as such devices have undergone rigorous testing and are both safe and effective for use.

Adequate Power Output

Your device should output sufficient power irradiance to allow light to penetrate deeply into tissues without interruption.

Source of Light

Your device should have medically graded LEDs since only LEDs are capable of providing concentrated red and near-infrared light, as opposed to other bulbs such as halogen and incandescent.

User-Friendly Features

Your device should include user-friendly features such as hands-free use, portability, and the ability to vary intensity. These features enable you to use red light therapy with comfort and ease.

Overview of the Total Spectrum Series for Pain Management

At RLT Home, you'll find the best and most secure equipment out there. The red and near-infrared light therapy equipment produced by this company is capable of delivering the perfect spectrum of light. They are FDA-approved and also have other types of certifications, such as CE and RoHS, for safety and performance. They are fitted with medically graded LEDs and release enough power output, ensuring that the appropriate range of light penetrates deep into the tissues.

Besides, the devices are user-friendly. They have adjustable intensity levels, hands-free models, and portable designs, making them convenient to use at home. Whether you are after pain relief, nerve repair, or skin rejuvenation, RLT Home devices deliver professional-quality results. With frequent use, you can experience the therapeutic benefits of red light therapy from the comfort of your home.

Finding the Right Dosage: Frequency, Session Length, and Distance

Finding the right dose of red light treatment is quite important, especially if you are using it to treat conditions like trigeminal neuralgia.  How well it works depends on how often you use it, how much you use it, and how close the device is to your skin.

For most people, it is advisable to start with short periods, approximately 10 to 15 minutes across a zone, three to five times a week. After your body gets accustomed to it, you can prolong the session length to 20 minutes. The distance between the device and your skin should typically be roughly 6 to 12 inches, depending on your device's power.

Consistency is everything - frequent sessions allow the light to reach deeply and cause ongoing healing. Don't overdo it, however, as excessive exposure in a single session won't accelerate results - it'll aggravate your skin, instead. Always obey the manufacturer's instructions for your particular device to achieve safe and optimal results.

In general, red light therapy is a great method of treating trigeminal neuralgia. Not only does it soothe and alleviate pain and inflammation, but it also repairs nerve damage by encouraging more energy production and increased blood circulation. More energy permits neurons to repair and regenerate, while better blood circulation gives cells a better supply of oxygen and nutrients, which enhances their healing process. Most individuals like to do red light therapy at home, and with the RLT Home, they can reap the full benefits of this therapy. Red light therapy at home, done consistently and repeatedly, can naturally heal trigeminal neuralgia.

Who cannot use red light therapy?

People who are taking medications that cause light sensitivity should avoid using red light therapy.

Can red light help with nerve pain?

Yes, red light therapy helps with nerve pain by promoting nerve recovery and stimulating the production of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.

What is the most effective treatment for trigeminal neuralgia?

Red light therapy is the most effective treatment for trigeminal neuralgia because it not only reduces pain but also promotes nerve recovery without causing any side effects.

References

1. Clinical Efficacy of Two Different Low-Level Laser Therapies for the Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
2. Mitochondrial Bioenergetic, Photobiomodulation and Trigeminal Branches Nerve Damage: What's the Connection? A Review.
3. Photobiomodulation on trigeminal neuralgia: systematic review.