• The Journal of Korean Oriental Chronic Disease
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.53-61
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• 2005

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a group of autoimmune syndromes consisting of demyelinating and acute axonal degenerating forms of the disease. Typically, Gullain-Barre syndrome can be diagnosed from the patient's symptoms and physical examination such as the rapid onset of weakness, paralysis and loss of reflexes. In most patients, resolution is complete or near complete. Treatment consists of supportive care, ventilatory management (in about one third of patients), and specific therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin or plasmapheresis. This clinical report is about suspected acute severe Guillain-Barre syndrome patient, 61-year-old man had quadriplegia, facial palsy, dysphasia, respiratory failure. After 5 weeks of East-West integrative medicine therapy - Conventional Conservative therapy(plasmaphresis and intravenous immunoglobulin) and Korean traditional medicine(Sasang medicine and acupuncture treatment) - most symptoms improved.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.199-207
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• 2024

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.