Medical Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia with the Combination of Sho-saiko-to and Keishi-ka-shakuyaku-to / 日本東洋医学雑誌

ABSTRACT

Extract preparations of Shosaiko-to and Keishi-ka-shakuyaku-to were simultaneously prescribed to 34 patients with trigeminal neuralgia. The efficacy of these kampo formulas on painful paroxysms was evaluated two weeks after commencement of formula administration.<br>In 11 out of 19 patients who were also taking carbamazepine (CBZ), dosage reduction or elimination of CBZ administration became possible; from the changes seen in the symptoms, Kampo treatment was thought to be effective in 14 of these cases. Of the 11 cases receiving Kampo alone, reduction in pain or elimination of pain was seen in 8 cases.<br>Excluding 4 cases where effectiveness could not be evaluated, the overall efficacy rate for Shosaiko-to/Keishi-ka-shakuyaku-to was determined to be 73% (22/30 cases).<br>Many basic and clinical studies have verified that Shosaiko-to-go-Keishi-ka-shakuyaku-to acts as an anticonvulsant. There are several common pharmacological characteristics between CBZ, the standard treatment for trigeminal neuralgia, and Shosaiko-to-go-Keishi-ka-shakuyaku-to. The formulas Shosaiko-to and Keishi-ka-shakuyaku-to used by themselves or in combination with CBZ were therefore thought to be a safe and effective option for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.