Percutaneous irradiation of low-power level laser to the stellate ganglion in facial postherpetic neuralgia

We evaluated the efficacy of percutaneous irradiation of low-power level laser to the the stellate ganglion in six patients with facial postherpetic neuralgia. Pain score and facial skin blood flow were determined following 30 min-irradiation. Flow measurements were also performed in six healthy volunteers. Skin blood flow was increased by 21%～73% in five patients and pain relief was obtained in four out of the five. Horner's syndrome was not observed in any patients. Skin blood flow was increased by 40%～375% in three volunteers and one exhibited the ipsilateral Horner's syndrome. The present results suggest that percutaneous irradiation of low-power level laser to the stellate ganglion provides a sympatholytic effect and has therapeutic potentials in patients with facial postherpetic neuralgia.

低出力レーザー

星状神経節

帯状疱疹後神経痛

顔面皮膚血流