The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine (대한한방내과학회지)

The Society of Internal Korean Medicine (대한한방내과학회)
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Improvement in Balance and Walking in a Patient with Guillain-Barre Syndrome Treated with Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture: A Case Report

침 치료 및 전침 치료로 호전된 길랑바레증후군 환자의 균형 및 보행 개선 : 증례보고

  • Sunny Kang (Dept. of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University) ;
  • Sangho Ji (Dept. of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University) ;
  • Jiwoo Kim (Dept. of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University) ;
  • Youngjo So (Dept. of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University) ;
  • Cheol-Hyun Kim (Dept. of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University) ;
  • Sangkwan Lee (Dept. of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University)
  • 강선이 (원광대학교 한의과대학 내과학교실) ;
  • 지상호 (원광대학교 한의과대학 내과학교실) ;
  • 김지우 (원광대학교 한의과대학 내과학교실) ;
  • 소영조 (원광대학교 한의과대학 내과학교실) ;
  • 김철현 (원광대학교 한의과대학 내과학교실) ;
  • 이상관 (원광대학교 한의과대학 내과학교실)
  • Received : 2024.04.23
  • Accepted : 2024.06.03
  • Published : 2024.05.30
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Abstract

Introduction: Gullain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rapid, symmetric muscle weakness that often follows respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. Standard treatments include plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin, but outcomes can vary among patients. The integration of Korean medicine, notably unexplored in quantitative assessments of balance and walking, provides a novel approach to treatment. Case presentation: A 53-year-old male diagnosed with GBS presented to the hospital 8 days post-onset. He received treatments consisting of acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and rehabilitation over a period of approximately 4 weeks. Upon admission, the patient exhibited symptoms of both limb weakness and paresthesia, requiring the use of a wheelchair. Post-treatment, muscle strength and balance were significantly improved, leading to the restoration of independent ambulation, including running. Conclusions: This case illustrates the potential of integrated Korean and conventional medical treatments to accelerate recovery in GBS patients, overcoming typical prognosis timelines. The improvements in gait and balance were substantiated by quantitative assessments, suggesting a promising area for further research into the effects of combined therapeutic approaches to GBS recovery.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This paper was supported by Wonkwang University in 2024.

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