Treating Trigeminal Neuralgia with Softlaser – Home Therapy Guide
If you have ever experienced that lightning-like, agonizing pain in your face that strikes out of nowhere – triggered by eating, speaking, or even a light breeze – you know how helpless trigeminal neuralgia can make you feel. This condition is one of the most intense pain experiences a person can endure. The good news: softlaser therapy can provide an effective, drug-free means to ease your symptoms.
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia, medically known as trigeminal neuralgia, is a dysfunction of the 5th cranial nerve (nervus trigeminus). This nerve splits into three branches and innervates your face: the upper branch supplies your forehead and the area around your eye, the middle branch supplies your cheek, and the lower branch supplies your jaw with sensory fibers.
The pain is typically unilateral and so intense that many people call it "suicidal pain." Typical features include:
- Sudden, lightning-like attacks of pain
- Extremely severe pain lasting from seconds to minutes
- Trigger points – touching certain facial areas can provoke an attack
- Everyday activities (eating, drinking, speaking, brushing teeth) can provoke attacks
- Symptom-free intervals between attacks
The condition most often appears after age 50 and affects women more frequently. Causes can include a blood vessel compressing the nerve, multiple sclerosis, or, less commonly, a tumor – which is why accurate diagnosis is a medical task.
Conventional treatments and their limitations
First-line treatment for trigeminal neuralgia is usually pharmacological: antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine) can reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks. However, these often cause side effects – dizziness, fatigue, concentration problems – and their effectiveness may decrease over time.
In severe cases, surgical intervention may be considered, but it is invasive and carries risks. For this reason, more and more people seek complementary, non-invasive solutions – this is where softlaser therapy comes in.
How can softlaser help treat trigeminal neuralgia?
Softlaser therapy (also called photobiomodulation or LLLT) uses the healing effects of low-intensity laser light. The method was discovered by Hungarian physician-researcher Endre Mester in the 1960s, and thousands of scientific studies have since investigated its effectiveness.
In treating trigeminal neuralgia, softlaser can exert beneficial effects through several mechanisms:
Pain-relieving effect
Laser light stimulates endorphin production – your body's own powerful pain-relieving substances. It also reduces the sensitivity of pain receptors and lowers levels of pain-signaling molecules (histamine, bradykinin, prostaglandin E2).
Anti-inflammatory effect
Inflammation and swelling around the nerve often aggravate symptoms. Softlaser reduces edema in the affected area, thereby easing pressure on the nerve.
Support for nerve regeneration
Photobiomodulation stimulates cellular energy production (ATP), which can positively influence nerve cell regeneration and function.
What does the science say?
Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have examined the effectiveness of softlaser in trigeminal neuralgia. A 2024 systematic review analyzed 13 randomized clinical trials and concluded that softlaser therapy – especially diode lasers – may favorably affect pain intensity and attack frequency in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (PubMed: 38544777).
An earlier 2014 literature review also reported positive results: in most studies laser treatment produced significant pain reduction compared to placebo or drug therapy, without side effects (PubMed: 25024832).
It is important to note that while results are encouraging, researchers emphasize that there is not yet a unified, standardized treatment protocol, and further high-quality clinical trials are needed.
How to perform home softlaser treatment
Home softlaser treatment is simple and safe if you follow basic rules.
Treatment points
Treat along the course of the trigeminal nerve's three branches – but you don't need to treat every point at once. Only treat the areas where you experience pain:
- Upper branch (V1): forehead, above the eyebrow, temple
- Middle branch (V2): cheek, beside the nose, above the upper lip
- Lower branch (V3): jaw, under the lower lip, chin
- Starting point: the area in front of the ear (where the nerve exits the skull)
Treatment parameters
With Class 3 laser devices (Personal Laser L400, Energy Laser L500 Pro) treat each point for 30–60 seconds. Place the device's treatment probe directly on the skin with light pressure.
Treatment frequency
- Acute phase: 1–2 times daily
- Maintenance treatment: every other day or 2–3 times per week
- One course: typically 10–20 treatments, but this may vary individually
Combined treatment with microcurrent
The effectiveness of softlaser therapy can be enhanced with microcurrent (MENS) treatment. Microcurrent may help restore cell membranes and reduce inflammation. For this, you can use devices such as the Globus Genesy 300 Pro or Premium 400, performing 20–30 minute sessions 2–3 times daily.
For TENS/microcurrent treatment you can follow the electrode placement shown in this figure. Always place the negative pole near the area in front of the ear, and position the positive pole according to the distribution of the pain:
Before you start treatment
To use the device safely, familiarize yourself with the contraindications. For more information, read the softlaser contraindications article.
When NOT to use the softlaser
- Never point it directly into the eye – always wear protective goggles
- Do not use over malignant tumors
- Avoid during active infection or fever – wait for recovery
- During pregnancy avoid use over the abdomen and lower back
- Do not use over the thyroid gland
- If you are taking photosensitizing medication, consult your physician
- Use caution with epilepsy – pulsed light can trigger seizures in sensitive individuals
Possible side effects
Softlaser therapy is generally very well tolerated and has no serious side effects. Rarely you may experience:
- Mild, temporary redness at the treated area
- Transient sensation of warmth
- Rarely: headache after treatment
These symptoms usually resolve quickly. If you notice any unusual reaction, stop treatment and consult your doctor.
Lifestyle advice when living with trigeminal neuralgia
Alongside softlaser treatment, pay attention to a few practical measures:
- Avoid triggers: strong wind, cold, very hot or very cold foods and drinks
- Use a soft toothbrush and be gentle when cleansing your face
- Eat mindfully: favor foods rich in B vitamins and magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Manage stress: stress can worsen symptoms – relaxation techniques and adequate sleep help
- Keep a diary: record attacks and possible triggers
When to see a doctor?
Contact your doctor immediately if:
- The pain appears for the first time and is very severe
- Your usual medications are not effective
- New symptoms appear (visual disturbances, other neurological signs)
- The pain affects both sides of your face
- Fever or other general symptoms accompany the pain
Recommended devices
Softlaser devices
Personal Laser L400
A Class 3 laser device, 808 nm wavelength, 400 mW power. Excellent for home treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Compact size and easy to use.
Energy Laser L500 Pro
A Class 3 laser device, 880 nm wavelength, 500 mW power. Higher output allows for shorter treatment times and deeper penetration.
Complementary devices (microcurrent/TENS)
Globus Genesy 300 Pro
Professional-level device with TENS, EMS and microcurrent programs. Microcurrent programs complement softlaser treatment well for relieving trigeminal neuralgia pain.
Globus Premium 400
Versatile device with many pain-relief and anti-inflammatory programs. Suitable for both TENS and microcurrent treatments.
Other applications of softlaser
Softlaser therapy can support the treatment of many other conditions and complaints. For a full overview of home applications read the Softlaser therapy at home – Treating conditions article.
If you are new to softlaser therapy, start with the Comprehensive guide to softlaser therapy.
Summary – Quick overview
What is this article? A comprehensive guide to home softlaser treatment for trigeminal neuralgia, with scientific background and practical advice.
Who is it for? Patients with trigeminal neuralgia looking for a drug-free, at-home complementary therapy.
Main message: Softlaser therapy is a scientifically supported, safe method that can favorably influence trigeminal neuralgia symptoms. With pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and nerve-regenerative supporting effects, it can be a valuable adjunct to conventional treatment.
Related topics
- Softlaser therapy – Comprehensive guide to home laser treatment
- Softlaser contraindications – When not to use it?
- Facial nerve palsy (Bell's palsy) treated with softlaser
- Neuralgia – Comprehensive guide
References
- Haghighat S, et al. Efficacy of Laser Therapy in Trigeminal Neuralgia: a Systematic Review. J Dent (Shiraz). 2024. PubMed: 38544777
- Falaki F, et al. The effect of low-level laser therapy on trigeminal Neuralgia: a review of literature. J Dent Res Dent Clin Dent Prospects. 2014;8(1):1-5. PubMed: 25024832
- de Pedro M, et al. Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Therapeutic Management of Neuropathic Orofacial Pain: A Systematic Review. J Oral Facial Pain Headache. 2020;34(1):13-30. PubMed: 31339967
The information in this article is for informational purposes only. Home therapeutic devices are intended to complement medical treatment and do not replace specialist care. If you suspect trigeminal neuralgia, consult a neurologist first for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.