Patient Profile
Female, 30 years old, office worker. Two-week history of right supraorbital pain.
Main Complaint
Recurrent stabbing pain above the right eye for 2 weeks, with episodic flares.
History of Present Illness
Two weeks earlier, she developed aching and pressure-like pain around the upper rim of the right orbit, occurring in short bouts several times a day (about 5–10 attacks daily). Pain radiated to the forehead and upper eyelid, and the eye felt “unclear” or uncomfortable when looking at things. Painkillers had little effect, so she came for treatment.
Relevant History
No history of migraine, glaucoma, or trauma. No major systemic illness. Vision previously normal.
Examination
There was obvious tenderness at the right supraorbital rim, especially near the region corresponding to acupoint Zanzhu (BL2). A small, grain-sized highly sensitive nodule could be felt; pressing it caused sharp, radiating pain to the supraorbital and frontal region. Additional trigger nodules were found in the ipsilateral temporalis and zygomaticus muscles. Neck muscles were mildly sore but movement was preserved. Pupils were equal and reactive; no obvious eye fundus abnormality.
Diagnosis
- Western medicine: Supraorbital neuralgia.
- TCM: Frontal headache in the category of “feng evil attacking the collaterals” with qi stagnation and blood stasis.
- SNAN perspective: A focal high-sensitivity nodule at the supraorbital nerve exit, plus myofascial trigger points in the temporal–zygomatic muscles forming a small but critical high-tension chain.
Treatment – Mini Ren-SNAN Acupuncture
Mini Blade Needle, 0.35 mm × 25 mm, insertion depth < 10 mm.
- With the patient supine and eyes closed, the most sensitive point near Zanzhu was precisely located. The needle was inserted very shallowly into the subcutaneous and superficial fascial layer at a slight angle, using minimal cutting to break up the tiny nodule until tenderness decreased.
- At the same session, trigger nodules in the ipsilateral temporalis and zygomatic muscles were treated with gentle, shallow nodule-releasing techniques.
Treatments were performed once or twice per week.
Results
After the first session, the supraorbital pain was much less, and the eye felt lighter and clearer. After two more treatments, the pain had completely resolved, and everyday work and eye use caused no discomfort. Over several months of follow-up, there was no recurrence.
Clinical Insight
Supraorbital neuralgia is often driven by a tiny nodule at the supraorbital nerve exit, plus secondary trigger points in adjacent muscles. Mini Ren-SNAN Acupuncture uses precise “point-to-point” release at the nerve outlet combined with tension reduction in temporal–zygomatic fascia. This reduces both mechanical compression and abnormal nociceptive input. Compared with long-term painkillers, it works faster, with fewer side effects and lower recurrence, and is well suited to these small but stubborn head–face pain syndromes.