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Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift
Erschienen in:

01.03.2014 | main topic

Medicinal leech therapy in pain syndromes: a narrative review

verfasst von: Detlev Koeppen, PhD, Michael Aurich, MSc biol, Thomas Rampp, MD

Erschienen in: Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift | Ausgabe 5-6/2014

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Summary

Medicinal leech therapy is used in a variety of conditions; most of which have pain as a major symptom. Its mode of action relies on the injection of leech saliva into patients’ tissues during the process of blood withdrawal. Leech saliva contains active ingredients with anti-inflammatory, thrombolytic, anti-coagulant and blood- and lymph-circulation enhancing properties. A specific analgesic substance within the leech saliva is yet to be identified. Pain relief from leech therapy is rapid, effective and long-lasting in many conditions. This review compiles studies and case reports that provide clinical evidence for leech therapy’s analgesic effects.
Vorheriger Artikel Boundary cartilage lubrication: review of current concepts
Nächster Artikel Medizinische Aspekte gängiger nicht-letaler Wirkmittel
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Metadaten
Titel
Medicinal leech therapy in pain syndromes: a narrative review
verfasst von
Detlev Koeppen, PhD
Michael Aurich, MSc biol
Thomas Rampp, MD
Publikationsdatum
01.03.2014
Verlag
Springer Vienna
Erschienen in
Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift / Ausgabe 5-6/2014
Print ISSN: 0043-5341
Elektronische ISSN: 1563-258X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-013-0236-y

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