|
Headache |
Low-Level Laser For Treating
Tension-Type Headache
T. Y. Guseinov
A new technique for treating patients with chronic
headache and pericranial muscular-sceletal
dysfunction has been developed (methodological
recommendations of RF Ministry of Public
Health 961/255, 1997). This technique includes
low-level laser therapy, manual therapy and
training on muscular relaxation. Good and excellent
results were seen in 61,7% of patients after
treatment. The frequency of headache attack was
reduced by 73%, duration - by 66%, intensity - by
40%. Low-level laser therapy promotes muscular and
joint trigger points inactivation and is
perspective for treating chronic tension-type
headache.
Non-Pharmacological Approaches
To Chronic Headaches: Transcutaneous Electrical
Nerve Stimulation, Laser Therapy And Acupuncture In
Transformed Migraine Treatment
Allais G, De Lorenzo C, Quirico P E, Lupi-G et al.
Neurological Sciences. 2003; 24, Suppl 2.
In an open, randomized trial, we evaluated
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS),
infrared laser therapy and acupuncture in the
treatment of transformed migraine, over a 4-month
period free of prophylactic drugs. Sixty women
suffering from transformed migraine were
assigned, after a one month run-in period, to three
different treatments: TENS (Group T; n=20),
infrared laser therapy (Group L; n =20) or
acupuncture (Group A; n=20). In each group the
patients underwent ten sessions of treatment and
monthly control visits. In Group T patients were
treated for two weeks (5 days/week) simultaneously
with three TENS units with different
stimulation parameters (I: pulse rate = 80 Hz, pulse
width = 120 micros; II: 120 Hz, 90 micros; III: 4
Hz, 200 micros). In Group L an infrared diode laser
(27 mW, 904 nm) was applied every other day on
tender scalp spots. In Group A acupuncture was
carried out twice a week in the first two weeks and
weekly in the next 6 weeks.
A basic formula (LR3, SP6, LI4,
GB20, GV20 and Ex-HN5) was always employed;
additional points were selected according to each
patient's symptomatology. The number of days with
headache per month significantly decreased during
treatment in all groups. The response in the groups
differed over time, probably due to the different
timing of applications of the three methods. TENS,
laser therapy and acupuncture proved to be effective
in reducing the frequency of headache attacks.
Acupuncture showed the best effectiveness over time. |
