Painful Post-traumatic Trigeminal Neuropathy Improved with Seungmagalgeun-tang-gamibang and Acupuncture: A Case Report

Article information

J Korean Med. 2026;47(2):234-243

Publication date (electronic) : 2026 June 1

doi : https://doi.org/10.13048/jkm.26031

Do-Hwan Kim ¹^,

, Ki-Won Um ²

¹Chief Korean Medicine Doctor, Doochung Korean Medicine Clinic

²Staff Korean Medicine Doctor, Doochung Korean Medicine Clinic

^*Correspondence to: Do-Hwan Kim, 2F, 250, Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea, Tel: +82-2-574-1075, Fax: +82-2-574-1076, E-mail: dohwan2k@naver.com

Received 2026 March 16; Revised 2026 May 9; Accepted 2026 May 14.

Abstract

Objectives

Painful post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy (PPTTN) is a chronic neuropathic facial pain condition that occurs after trigeminal nerve injury. This study aimed to report the clinical outcomes of Korean medicine treatment including Seungmagalgeun-tang-gamibang and acupuncture in a patient with PPTTN following dental implant surgery.

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed the medical records of a patient diagnosed with PPTTN who was treated at a Korean medicine clinic. The patient received a Seungmagalgeun-tang-gamibang herbal prescription and acupuncture once weekly during the treatment period. Pain intensity was evaluated using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Clinical progress was assessed through patient interviews, functional observations including eating and lip movement, and changes in pain distribution.

Results

At the initial visit, the patient reported severe pain in the right lower lip and mandibular region with an NRS score of 10. During treatment, pain gradually decreased to NRS 2–3 during the mid-treatment period and improved to NRS 1 at the final follow-up visit. Functional improvements were observed, including increased food intake, improved lip movement, and recovery of daily activities. The pain distribution also progressively decreased from the mandibular region to a small localized area of the lower lip.

Conclusions

This case suggests that Korean medicine treatment including Seungmagalgeun-tang-gamibang and acupuncture may contribute to symptom improvement in patients with PPTTN.

Keywords: Painful post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy; Trigeminal neuropathy; Acupuncture; Korean medicine; Seungmagalgeun-tang-gamibang; Case report

Fig. 1

Changes in numeric rating scale (NRS) scores during treatment

Fig. 2

Changes in pain distribution during treatment

(A) At the initial visit (2024-10-19), the patient reported diffuse neuropathic pain involving the right lower lip and mandibular area (V3 distribution).

(B) During the mid-treatment period (2025-04-05), the pain distribution began to centralize, with a marked reduction in mandibular involvement.

(C) At the final follow-up (2026-01-10), the affected area was significantly minimized to a stable 1 cm focal region on the lower lip.

Table 1

Prescription of Seungmagalgeun-tang-gamibang (1Day)

Table 2

Clinical Observation of Functional Changes during Treatment

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