New approach in treating Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) using combined IV Laser Blood Irradiation and interactive neurostimulation. Case report

Welsh Pain society meeting - Annual Scientific Meeting 18 November 2011

Polymyalgia rheumatic (PMR) occurs mostly in middle-aged or elderly women. Incidence of PMR is approximately 20/100,000 (more than 50/100,000 in patients over 50 years old) in the UK. The age-adjusted incidence of diagnosed PMR has increased by 35% between 1990 and 2001. Corticosteroids are the treatment of choice. However, there are no other non-drug treatments available to control this condition. This case study demonstrates alternative approach in treating such condition.

Female, 69 was diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatica in June 2009 with complaints of extreme fatigue, pain in all joints, referring to the groin, hips, shoulders and vertigo. ESR 58 mm/hr and plasma viscosity 1.96 mPa/s. The patient declined standard corticosteroid therapy and NSAID.

Treatment protocol consisted of using Intravenous Laser Blood Irradiation with the “Weberneedle® blood system using a HeNe diode laser of three colours: 658 nm (red light), 532 nm (green light) and 405 nm (blue light) with power of 5mW was used during 15 minutes each with continuous frequency (CW). Treatment was delivered twice a week and comprised of two courses of 8 treatments with a short break in between. SF12 was used to assess physical and emotional impact on the patient.

Results: A significant improvement in pain level VAS (from 6 to 0) within 1^st month of treatments, in addition to this an improvement in physical and emotional score, from 21 to 42 (SF12), ESR values reduced from 58 mm/hr to 16 mm/hr, plasma viscosity from 1.96 mPa/s to 1.80 mPa/s within the same period of time.

Conclusions: The laser blood irradiation in combination with interactive neurostimulation led to a significant improvement in the quality of life for this patient suffering with PMR. There is a substantial anecdotal data that support the result; however singular case is not sufficient to evaluate the new technology, further research is necessary.