Low-Level Laser For Treating Tension-Type Headache
T. Y. Guseinov
A new technique for treating patients with chronic headache and pericranial muscular-sceletal dysfunction has been developed (methodological recommendations of RF Ministry of Public Health 961/255, 1997). This technique includes low-level laser therapy, manual therapy and training on muscular relaxation. Good and excellent results were seen in 61,7% of patients after treatment. The frequency of headache attack was reduced by 73%, duration - by 66%, intensity - by 40%. Low-level laser therapy promotes muscular and joint trigger points inactivation and is perspective for treating chronic tension-type headache.

Non-Pharmacological Approaches To Chronic Headaches: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, Laser Therapy And Acupuncture In Transformed Migraine Treatment Allais G, De Lorenzo C, Quirico P E, Lupi-G et al.
Neurological Sciences. 2003; 24, Suppl 2.

In an open, randomized trial, we evaluated transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), infrared laser therapy and acupuncture in the treatment of transformed migraine, over a 4-month period free of prophylactic drugs. Sixty women suffering from transformed migraine were assigned, after a one month run-in period, to three different treatments: TENS (Group T; n=20), infrared laser therapy (Group L; n =20) or acupuncture (Group A; n=20). In each group the patients underwent ten sessions of treatment and monthly control visits. In Group T patients were treated for two weeks (5 days/week) simultaneously with three TENS units with different
stimulation parameters (I: pulse rate = 80 Hz, pulse width = 120 micros; II: 120 Hz, 90 micros; III: 4 Hz, 200 micros). In Group L an infrared diode laser (27 mW, 904 nm) was applied every other day on tender scalp spots. In Group A acupuncture was carried out twice a week in the first two weeks and weekly in the next 6 weeks.

A basic formula (LR3, SP6, LI4, GB20, GV20 and Ex-HN5) was always employed; additional points were selected according to each patient's symptomatology. The number of days with headache per month significantly decreased during treatment in all groups. The response in the groups differed over time, probably due to the different timing of applications of the three methods. TENS, laser therapy and acupuncture proved to be effective in reducing the frequency of headache attacks. Acupuncture showed the best effectiveness over time.