Burning Mouth Syndrome and Acupuncture

Abstract

Abstract

Background:

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is described as a sudden bilateral orofacial pain characterized as burning, scalding, tingling, or numbness. Diagnosis remains challenging and therapeutics are equally difficult. Complete spontaneous remission is rare. This article reports a case of BMS managed successfully with acupuncture.

Case:

A 53-year-old woman presented with a 3-year history of orofacial pain described as “burning, tingling, pins, scalded, numbness and electric shock” sensations, with a profound impact on her daily activities. A physical examination showed no visible lesions and examinations yielded unremarkable results. She was diagnosed with BMS and prescribed pregabalin and tramadol, as she had no benefits from rescue therapy after 6 months. She was then offered 8 acupuncture treatment sessions with a weekly frequency. Points used were local points of the trigeminal innervation (ST 5, ST 6, ST 7, SI 18, GB 2, and TE 21) and systemic action points (GV 24, LI 4, ST 44, and ST 36).

Results:

At her 3-month follow-up, she presented with mild, episodic pain that disappeared spontaneously. She did not need rescue medication and had significant clinical pain relief and global improvement of her health status. At her 6-month follow-up, she was not experiencing any pain, was not taking any medications, and had been sleeping well. She reported a global improvement of her health status and rated her change as “very much improved.”

Conclusions:

This case highlights the utility and effectiveness of acupuncture for BMS. Acupuncture, with few side effects and high tolerability, is a valid and effective therapeutic option for patients presenting with BMS.