The Alternative Effects of Electroacupuncture in the Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia (NCT06977932) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
The Alternative Effects of Electroacupuncture in the Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia
126 participantsStarted 2026-03-01
Plain-language summary
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), characterized by its refractory nature and recurrence, frequently leads to anxiety, depression, and insomnia, thereby significantly diminishing patients' quality of life and potentially inducing self-harm. Carbamazepine (CBZ) is the first-line medication for TN, yet it presents adverse effects such as addiction and the absence of analgesic effects upon cessation. Acupuncture, particularly electroacupuncture（EA）, has demonstrated efficacy in TN treatment, although its therapeutic outcomes are influenced by various factors. Consequently, this study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of EA for TN and its potential as an alternative to CBZ treatment.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Diagnostic Criteria
Diagnosis was based on the criteria for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) as defined in the third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) published by the International Headache Society (IHS) in 2018. The diagnostic criteria included:
1. recurrent unilateral facial pain occurring in the distribution of one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve, without radiation outside the trigeminal territory, and meeting criteria (2) and (3);
2. pain presenting with all of the following characteristics:
① paroxysmal attacks lasting from a few seconds to 2 minutes;
② severe intensity;
* electric shock-like, stabbing, or sharp quality;
3. pain triggered by innocuous stimuli within the affected trigeminal distribution;
4. exclusion of other facial pain disorders classified in ICHD-3.
Inclusion Criteria
All of the following criteria had to be met for study enrollment:
* fulfillment of the TN diagnostic criteria as stated above;
* age between 18 and 80 years, inclusive, irrespective of sex;
* receiving a stable daily dose of carbamazepine (200-400 mg); ④ consciousness clear, with intact pain perception and discrimination, and able to communicate effectively; ⑤ voluntary participation with written informed consent provided by the patient or their legal guardian/authorized representative.
Exclusion Criteria
Participants were excluded if they met any of the following:
* comorbid epilepsy, head injur…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
VAS Response Rate
Timeframe: Baseline, the end of the 2-week treatment.