Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of low-level laser treatment（LLLT）in stellate ganglion area irradiation（SGR）with that of stellate ganglion block（SGB）at the right 6th vertebra on blood flow in and the surface temperature of the cheek.
Methods: Twenty-one healthy male volunteers were enrolled. The Lumix2Ⓡ was used to provide LLLT（wave length, 904〜910nm; maximum and average output, 45W and 0.3W, respectively; irradiation time, 30min; total irradiation energy, 486J）. Baseline measurements comprised average blood flow and temperature over 5min prior to each treatment（LLLT in SGR or SGB）. Average blood flow and buccal surface temperature were then measured again every 5min for 30min after.
Results: Significant increases were observed in blood flow and surface temperature after LLLT in SGR in comparison with in the control group. These increases were detected between 10 and 30min after commencement of treatment. The SGB group showed a significant increase in blood flow and temperature at 25 and 10min, respectively, in comparison with in the LLLT in SGR group.
Conclusion: Low-level laser treatment in SGR resulted in increases in buccal blood flow and temperature. Even though LLLT in SGR is not necessary effective compared with SGB, the less invasive LLLT in SGR may be a useful treatment for patients with oral-facial disease avoiding side effect.
