Case report: Ultrasound-guided multi-site electroacupuncture stimulation for a patient with spinal cord injury

Frontiers in Neurology, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.903207 · Published: August 24, 2022

Alternative Medicine Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This case report explores the use of ultrasound-guided electroacupuncture (EA) to help a woman with a spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI often leads to permanent neurological issues. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, is used to improve nerve function and reduce pain. This study used EA to stimulate nerves in the sacrum, spinal cord, and head, along with regular rehabilitation exercises. The patient showed significant improvements in sensory and motor functions after the treatment, leading to better overall function. This suggests that ultrasound-guided EA could be a helpful treatment for SCI, but more research is needed.

Study Duration

1 year

Participants

One 48-year-old woman with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Level 4; Case Report

Key Findings

1
The patient's urinary retention improved with sacral nerve EA stimulation, allowing for a reduction in catheterization frequency and decreased residual urine volume.
2
Motor and sensory scores improved significantly after combining spinal cord and head stimulation with sacral nerve stimulation, indicating functional recovery.
3
The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score increased significantly after sacral EA stimulation, showing an improvement in the patient's ability to perform daily activities.

Research Summary

This case report presents the successful rehabilitation of a patient with SCI using ultrasound-guided EA on S3 and S4 nerves, supplemented by a water-drinking plan and intermittent urethral catheterization. The intervention also included the use of spinal electroacupuncture on T12-L1, combined with anterior central EA therapy of the head. After 10 months of treatment, there were signiﬁcant improvements in sensory conduction, nerve function, and muscle strength, and clinically signiﬁcant changes in the patient’s functional status.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Ultrasound-guided EA stimulation could be considered as a complementary therapy for SCI patients undergoing rehabilitation.

Future Research

Further randomized controlled trials are needed to validate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided EA stimulation in larger populations of SCI patients.

Economic Impact

EA stimulation could be a more accessible and affordable treatment option for SCI patients, especially in developing countries.

Study Limitations

1
The study is limited by its nature as a single case report, which eliminates the effects of chance.
2
There are discrepancies in the methodology, especially the material and insertion depth of acupuncture needles, and the duration of the electrical stimulation can be observed between previous studies and the current one.
3
Neither of the procedures have any psychometric properties (positive or negative likelihood ratios, speciﬁcity, or sensitivity data).

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Alternative Medicine