Gabapentin for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of Gabapentin in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Anticonvulsant drugs are regarded as useful treatment of neuropathic pain. In this study the efficacy and side effects of Gabapentin in comparison with Carbamazepine for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia were evaluated. The study was interventional and cross over comparison. Fifty six patients with Trigeminal neuralgia were administered Gabapentin in comparison to fifty seven control group with Carbamazepine. The clinical trial comprised of two phases of 4 weeks each with three days of washout period. The final titration dose for Gabapentin was 900mg and Carbamazepine 1200mg. the efficacy of these medications was determined by visual analogue scale [VAS] and side effects were recorded through marking of profiles encountered on initiation as well as termination of each of two phase of clinical trial. The Gabapentin benefited 55% [31/56] of the patients with pain relief [p<0.05] in contrast to 50% [29/57] who obtained relief of pain from Carbamazepine as control on visual analogue scale assessment. It was concluded that Gabapentin is more effective and safer drug for the treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Prevalence of chronic orofacial pain in a clinical sample

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of patients suffering from chronic orofacial pain but did not respond to any conventional therapy and therefore were referred to the Department of Oral Medicine, Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar. One hundred and eighty nine patients with overage age 39 years with persistent orofacial pain were recruited in this study. [135 females and 54 males]. The differential diagnosis was made on the basis of history, clinical examination and by applying the criteria laid down by International Association for the Diagnosis of Pain. Analysis showed the following results; Patients suffering from tempo mandibular disorders [TMD] 72[38%], trigeminal neuralgia [TN] 45 [23%], burning mouth syndrome 24[12.6%], atypical facial pain 18[9.5%] Dental pain 15[7.9%], tension type headache 6[3.17%], oro pharyngeal tumors 9[4.7%]. After diagnosis the patients showed relief from pain when appropriate treatment was provided except nine patients which were suffering from tumor

association between oral lichen planus and HCV infection

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible epidemiological relationship between Oral Lichen Planus [OLP] and Hepatitis C Virus [HCV] infection in Peshawar. This case control study was conducted on three groups of patients who were investigated for HCV infection. Group I [78 Patients clinically and histological confirmed OLP were tested for HCV infection.Group II [78 Patients] control group seeking treatment for other mucosal lesions were screened for HCV infection. Group III [1809 patients] volunteers control group consisted of healthy persons who came to Khyber college of dentistry, Peshawar for dental treatment were also screened for HCV infection. In group I, 1[1.28%] patients were found HCV positive with age range of 30-65 years. In group II, 2 [2.86%] patients were HCV positive while in group III, 56[3.09%] patients were HCV positive. The weak association between OLP and HCV infection was seen in these patients. The result was not significant in the participants P>0.05. This study suggested that no clear relationship could be established between OLP and HCV infection in Peshawar