Abstract
Purpose: While carbamazepine administered orally remains highly effective for many trigeminal neuralgia patients, alternative medications like gabapentin and pregabalin are considered when encountering side effects. In recent years, Kampo medicine has emerged as a potential second-line option. This study approaches trigeminal neuralgia treatment with Kampo medicines through the perspectives of “treatment by medical diagnosis” and “treatment of pattern identification”.
Study Selection: Kampo medicines were evaluated alongside the guidelines outlined in “Pharmacologic Management of Neuropathic Pain, 2nd Revised Edition, 2016” by the Committee for the Guidelines for the Pharmacologic Management of Neuropathic Pain of the JSP, “Clinical Practice Guideline for Chronic Pain, 2018” by the Clinical Practice Guideline for Chronic Pain Working Group, and “Guidelines for Nonodontogenic Toothache Revised Version 2019” by the Japanese Society of Orofacial Pain. References were also consulted.
Results and Conclusions: After considering “treatment by medical diagnosis” and “treatment of pattern identification” for trigeminal neuralgia, 12 types of Kampo medicines （Keishikajutsubuto, Goreisan, Bushimatsu, Rikosan, Yokukansan, Sokeikaketsuto, Goshakusan, Makyoyokukanto, Keishito, Kakkonto, Saikokeishito, Shakuyakukanzoto） were identified as candidates. Kampo medicine can be positioned as a useful adjunctive therapy to Western medicine.
