Abstract
Objectives : The purpose of this study was to report the clinical characteristics of glossodynia patients and effects of traditional Korean treatment on glossodynia and to gather data in order to carry out future study. Methods : We surveyed 40 glossodynia patients visiting the Department of Korean Internal Medicine of Stroke and Neurological Disorders Center, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong and analyzed their glossodynia questionnaires, examination results, and progression of symptoms. Results : In Glossodynia patients the average age was 62.4 years old. Glossodynia was more prevalent in females than males (5.67:1). Red tongue color, white fur, and fissured tongue were observed most often. The average glossodynia duration was 36.1 months and the average glossodynia degree was VAS 5.6. The most commonly appearing symptom was burning sense, and dryness of tongue. In Korean medicine diagnosis, Yin, deficiency, Tae-eum was most commonly diagnosed. In herbal medicine, Gamichungsim-tang was the most frequently prescribed. In laboratory tests, zinc deficiency was the most common result. In heart rate variability (HRV), average SDNN was 34.03 and average LF/HF ratio was 2.11. Of 40 patients, 23 completed treatment and their pain was relieved from average VAS 5.52 to VAS 3.63. Pre-and post-treatment results showed a significant difference. The average duration of treatment was 34.91 days. Conclusions : The results of this study suggest that Korean medical approach and treatment for glossodynia could be effective. Further study should be conducted for more valuable information.