Abstract Details

Title Trigeminal Neuralgia Improvement Following Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Topic Pain

Presentation(s) P5 - Poster Session 5 (8:00 AM-9:00 AM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 7-007

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a non-invasive treatment option for managing primary trigeminal neuralgia (TN). By synthesizing available data, this review seeks to determine the effectiveness of TENS in reducing pain intensity and improving quality of life for patients suffering from primary TN.

Background Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a prevalent and debilitating craniofacial pain disorder characterized by severe, unilateral, shock-like pain. Standard treatments include anti-epileptic drugs and surgical interventions, but many patients experience limited relief or adverse effects. Non-invasive therapies, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), have emerged as alternative options.

Design/Methods A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was conducted, yielding 89 papers. Following selection criteria, five clinical trials involving 101 patients with primary TN and TENS treatment were included. Data on pain severity, TENS parameters, and outcomes were extracted. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan software, with outcomes assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores before and after TENS treatment.

Results Pre-treatment VAS scores averaged 8.75 ± 0.18, indicating severe pain. Post-treatment, the mean VAS score significantly decreased to 1.17 ± 0.55, demonstrating substantial pain relief. The meta-analysis revealed a mean difference of 7.49 (95% CI: 7.05 to 7.93) in VAS scores, with a p-value <0.05, indicating statistically significant pain reduction. Heterogeneity among studies was moderate (I² = 57%). Complications were infrequently reported, with one study noting paresthesia in a small number of patients.

Conclusions

TENS appears to be an effective and safe intervention for reducing pain in patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia. Despite variability in treatment protocols and follow-up periods, the overall evidence supports TENS as a viable option for managing TN pain. Future research should focus on standardizing TENS protocols and evaluating long-term efficacy and safety.

Authors/Disclosures
Khaled Zammar, MD, MSc (Hamad Medical corporation) PRESENTER	Dr. Zammar has nothing to disclose.
Yazan AlHabil, MD	Dr. AlHabil has nothing to disclose.
Khulood Al-Sayed, MD	Dr. Al-Sayed has nothing to disclose.
Ashraf Salameh, MD	Dr. Salameh has nothing to disclose.

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