A Case Study: Highly Stressed Woman with Facial Pain
This page documents a clinical case study involving acupuncture care for trigeminal neuralgia.
Individual results vary, and this case is shared for educational purposes only. Trigeminal neuralgia is a complex neurological pain condition, and care decisions should always be made in coordination with appropriate medical professionals.
Clinical Background: Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic neuropathic pain condition characterized by sudden, severe facial pain affecting one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve. Symptoms are often described as sharp, electric, or stabbing, and can be triggered by routine activities such as speaking, chewing, or light touch.
Patient Presentation
Patient was a 52 year old female. She came to our Edina acupuncture clinic with excruciating facial pain on her left side. Her pain was at a level #8 on a scale of 0-10 (10 being the highest, 0 being no pain). She worked as an IT professional and her job included long hours, travel and many deadlines to meet. She ate irregular meals and suffered from digestive problems. She had previously seen an acupuncturist who used facial acupuncture points to treat her but unfortunately her pain increased after that treatment.
Treatment Approach
For her treatment at our clinic only 7 points were needled. 3 on her right arm, 3 on her right leg and 1 on her left leg.
Clinical Observations and Response
After the needles were in for only 4 minutes her pain was reduced by 50%. The needles were left in for 30 minutes. After the needles were removed her facial pain was reduced to 80%.
Although more treatments were required to reduce her trigeminal neuralgia facial pain further and make sure it did not return, this shows the immediate effects of this very effective style of acupuncture.
Outcome and Follow-Up
Note that no local points were used. In standard TCM acupuncture local points (in this case facial acupuncture points) are often employed. This can be compared to spanking a crying baby, creating more inflammation in the inflamed area. With the unique style of acupuncture that is used at Complete Oriental Medical Care the results of treatment are quicker and more long lasting.
Clinical Perspective
This case illustrates how acupuncture may be used as supportive care in complex neuropathic pain conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia.
Outcomes vary depending on the individual, the underlying cause, and concurrent medical care. This case should not be interpreted as a guarantee of results, but rather as an example of how individualized acupuncture treatment may be applied in a clinical setting.
Supportive Acupuncture Care for Chronic Facial Pain
Trigeminal neuralgia is addressed within our broader pain relief approach, which considers how nervous system sensitivity contributes to persistent or recurring pain. Many patients explore acupuncture when conventional options have provided limited relief or carry unwanted side effects.
At Complete Oriental Medical Care, treatment is individualized and focused on improving overall pain regulation, reducing symptom intensity, and supporting functional stability.
About the Practitioner
This case was managed by a licensed acupuncturist with over 30 years of clinical experience, serving patients in Edina and the Minneapolis–St. Paul area. Care is provided in accordance with Minnesota Board of Medical Practice regulations.
Take The Next Step
If trigeminal neuralgia is affecting your quality of life, we invite you to contact our Edina clinic at 952-831-8080 or schedule an appointment through our contact page.
