Comparison between Trans-Cranial Electromagnetic Stimulation and Low-Level Laser on Modulation of Trigeminal Neuralgia

[Purpose] To determine which of the transcranial electromagnetic stimulation or lowlevel laser therapy is more effective in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia of multiplesclerosis patients. [Methods] Thirty multiple sclerosis patients of both sexesparticipated in this study. The age of the subjects ranged from 40 to 60 years and theirmean age was (56.4–6.6). Participants were randomly selected from Dental and NeurologyOutpatient Clinics at King Khalid Hospital, Najran University, Saudi Arabia. Patients wererandomly divided into two equal groups of 15. The Laser group received a low level lasertherapy, 830 nm wavelength, 10 Hz and 15 min duration, while the Electromagnetic groupreceived repetitive transcranial electromagnetic stimulation at a frequency of 10 Hz,intensity of 50 mA and duration of 20 minutes. Patients were assessed pre and posttreatment for degree of pain using a numerical rating scale, maximal oral mouth openingusing a digital calibrated caliper, masseter muscle tension using a tensiometer and acompound action potentials of masseter and temporalis muscles. [Results] There weresignificant improvements after treatment in both groups, with a significant differencebetween the Electromagnetic and Laser groups, in favor of the Electromagnetic group.[Conclusion] Repetitive transcranial electromagnetic stimulation at 10 Hz, 50 mA, and 20minutes duration is more effective than low level laser therapy at reducing trigeminalpain, increasing maximum oral mouth opening, masseter and temporalis muscle tension inmultiple sclerosis patients.Key words: Trigeminal neuralgia, Low level laser, Trans-cranial electromagnetic stimulation