• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.904-909
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• 2000

Objectives : Most cases of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament(OPLL) present with myelopathy or myeloradiculopathy, which sometimes is further complicated by minor trauma to the spinal cord. The main purpose of surgery in these patients is the alleviation symptoms but also as protection against further deterioration. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of trauma on the surgical outcome in patients with cervical OPLL. Methods : Over the past 13 years, we have operated on 123 patients with myelopathy associated with cevical OPLL. Among these, thirty patients had cervical cord injury associated with major or minor trauma and their clinical and radiographic data were reviewed retrosepctively. Results : As to cause of trauma, seventeen were related with traffic accident and 13 were related with minor slipping injury. The pre- and post-operative motor power were significantly weaker in the patients with trauma, but the degree of motor improvement was significantly higher(trauma group : $0.90{\pm}1.49$, non-trauma group : $0.41{\pm}0.80$). Conclusion : These results indicate that even indirect minor trauma to the cervical spine can cause irreversible changes to the spinal cord if this is associated with underlying cervical stenosis with OPLL. Although less favorable results may be anticipated in patients with trauma, operative decompression could improve motor power and protect further deterioration.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.891-898
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• 2000

Objective : It is difficult to differentiate intramedullary spinal cord tumors preoperatively from non-neoplastic pathologies in patients presenting as non-compressive myelopathies in magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). In this report, the authors reviewed nonneoplastic intramedullary spinal cord lesions preoperatively diagnosed as tumors and discussed their clinical and radiological characteristics and usefulness of surgical intervention. Methods : From January, 1985 to January, 1999, authors experienced eight non-neoplastic pathologies mimicking intramedullary spinal cord tumors and analysed their medical records, radiological findings and histopathological specimens retrospectively. Results : There were five males and three females and the duration of symptoms were from two to 20 months(mean, 9.8 months). The location of lesions were four cervical, one cervicothoracic and three thoracic. All patients manifested sensory abnormality, seven motor weakness, and six bladder symptom. All cases had swollen spinal cords and increased signal intensities in spin-echo sequences. Six cases showed contrast enhancement : four cases were focal and two diffuse. Under the impression of intramedullary tumors, the patients were operated upon. Final diagnoses on the base of clinical and pathologic finding were : three subacute necrotizing myelopathies, two multiple scleroses, two myelopathy of unknown etiology. One case showed no gross abnormality in surgical field in spite of adequate exposure of the lesion, so biopsy was not performed. In that case, postoperative MRI revealed spontaneous resolution of the lesion. Conclusion : MRI is invaluable diagnostic tool in screening myelopathies. However, its high sensitivity and lack of specificity make difficulty in preoperative differential diagnosis of non-compressive myelopathies. Although no surgical morbidity occurred in our series, we sometimes failed to confirm definite diagnosis even with biopsy. In such a circumstance, long-term follow up is needed.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.428-437
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• 2013

Objectives : The aim of this study was to examine if there is a significant correlation between the changes of Fire- and Heat- related symptoms and motor function recovery in acute cerebral infarction patients. Methods : We studied inpatients within a month after the onset of cerebral infarction who were admitted at Kyunghee University Medical Center from May 2011 to January 2013. We executed correlation analysis between Fire-heat pattern score and motricity index score at visit 1 and visit 2, and checked if there was a significant correlation between the changes of Fire-heat pattern score and changes of motricity index score. Also, we compared the changes of both scores in patients taking Fire-heat and non Fire-heat pattern prescriptions. Results : There was a significant correlation between the Fire-heat pattern score and Motricity index score at visit 1 and visit 2, and changes of Fire-heat pattern score showed significant correlation with changes of motricity index score. Patients taking Fire-heat pattern prescriptions showed significant change in Fire-heat pattern score after herb-medication treatment while patients taking non-Fire-heat prescriptions showed insignificant change in Fire-heat pattern score. Conclusions : This study provides evidence that taking a Fire-heat pattern prescription could be considered as a first line herb-medication treatment in acute cerebral infarction patients.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.743-751
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• 2019

This case report suggests the potential effects of Korean medicine for the gait disturbance and posture instability of Multiple System Atrophy-Parkinsonism (MSA-P). A patient with MSA-P who had gait disturbance and posture instability was given a series of Korean medicine, including acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, electro-acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine, for 15 days of hospitalization. During the hospitalization period, the severity and progression of the disease was measured with the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS) and a video recording of a 20-meter round timed walking test. The UMSARS Part I and II scores decreased from 14 to 5 and 9 to 5, respectively. An improvement was also noted in standing and walking posture, and the walking time was shortened from 30 to 25 seconds in the 20-meter round-trip walking test. Dysarthria, dysphagia, and non-motoring symptoms like sleep behavioral disorders and constipation were also improved. The findings of this case study suggest that this series of Korean medicine has potential therapeutic effects for patients with MSA-P with motor and non-motor symptoms.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.129-142
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• 2012

Objectives : The essential tremor (ET) is characterized by a tremor of the whole body, including both arms. Recent studies suggest that its psychiatric and cognitive factors are more important for treatment and management than motor symptomsymptoms. This study was performed to report the effects of Korean medicine for essential tremor aggravated by Hwa-byung. Methods : We treated a 42 year- old man with Korean medicine (acupuncture, herb-medication and moxibustion) and mental therapy. The effects of the treatment for tremor and skin symptoms were measured by VAS and Severity score (3 level). We used SCL-90-R, BDI, BAI, PSQI and instrument of oriental medical evaluation for Hwa-Byung score (IOMEHB) for a psychological condition. Results : After treatments, tremor, Hwa-byung and accompanying symptoms have improved and subsided. VAS, SCL-90-R, BDI, BAI, PSQI, and IOMEHB have decreased. Conclusions : This result suggests that Korean medical treatment and mental therapy might be effective for the essential tremor aggravated with Hwa-byung.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.162-165
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• 2014

Idiopathic hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis (IHSP) is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory disorder characterized by marked fibrosis of the spinal dura mater with unknown etiology. According to the location of the lesion, it might induce neurologic deficits by compression of spinal cord and nerve root. A 58-year old female with a 3-year history of progressive weakness in both lower extremities was referred to our institute. Spinal computed tomography (CT) scan showed an osteolytic lesion involving base of the C6 spinous process with adjacent epidural mass. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an epidural mass involving dorsal aspect of cervical spinal canal from C5 to C7 level, with low signal intensity on T1 and T2 weighted images and non-enhancement on T1 weighted-enhanced images. We decided to undertake surgical exploration. At the operation field, there was yellow colored, thickened fibrous tissue over the dura mater. The lesion was removed totally, and decompression of spinal cord was achieved. Symptoms improved partially after the operation. Histopathologically, fibrotic pachymeninges with scanty inflammatory cells was revealed, which was compatible with diagnosis of idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis. Six months after operation, motor power grade of both lower extremities was normal on physical examination. However, the patient still complained of mild weakness in the right lower extremity. Although the nature of IHSP is generally indolent, decompressive surgery should be considered for the patient with definite or progressive neurologic symptoms in order to prevent further deterioration. In addition, IHSP can present as an osteolytic lesion. Differential diagnosis with neoplastic disease, including giant cell tumor, is important.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.12
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• pp.1642-1649
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• 2000

Objectives : Transverse myelitis(TM) is characterized by bilateral motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction of the spinal cord in the absence of pre-existing neurologic disease. It is an uncommon but not rare condition. But it remains as poorly understood syndrome not only etiologically but also in terms of its clinical behavior. Neurosurgically, It is often quite difficult to distinguish from other surgical intramedullary lesions. We present our clinical experiences of TM in order to assess its clinical behavior and to define the radiological characteristics that can distinguish TM from other intramedullary lesions. Methods : From June 1991 to May 1997, twenty-nine patients with transverse myelitis were admitted to our department. All cases revealed acute or subacute syndrome of non-compressive myelopathy and intramedullary lesions in the MRI. We analyze the radiological data and medical records retrospectively. Results : Patients ranged in age from 16 to 66 years, with 22 males and 7 females. Mean follow-up period was 53 months. For the offending levels, cervical was 5, thoracic 21, and lumbar 3 in number. The patients who presented the return of symptoms after a diminution or abatement of initial symptoms were 7(24%). In the MRI, TM showed typical characteristics of high signal intensity lesions in the center of spinal cord in T2 weighted images and low- to iso-signal intensity in T1 weighted images. A focal nodular enhancement pattern was observed in 58.6%(17/29) of the patients. MR follow-up studies were done in the 21 patients and radiological improvement were verified. Biopsies were done in 3 patients. Normal to good outcome was achieved in 62% of the patients. Conclusion : Transverse myelitis has characteristic radiological findings that can be distinguished from other intramedullary lesions. In our series, it is associated with significant recurrence rates thus, should not be considered a selflimiting disease with good prognosis.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.73-90
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• 2002

Objectives: This study investigated significant factors that influence functional evaluation of stroke so as to be a fundamental data for estimating prognosis of stroke patients. Methods: 204 patients were studied within 7 days of admission, after the diagnosis of stroke through brain CT scan, brain MRI scan and clinical observations. They were hospitalized in the oriental medical hospital of Dongeui University from February to July in 2001. They were examined at the early stage of onset, after 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks, and measured for average mark and the degree of improvement by using the Activity Index. Results: Ischemic stroke, past history of stroke, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, risk factor of obesity, non-professional emergency treatment and hospitalizing time after 1 day from onset, high blood pressure, tachycardia pulse and high blood sugar in abnormal vital sign in acute stage, conscious, cognitive or communication disorder, motor aphasia, dysphagia, constipation for more than 3 days, urinary incontinence, visual field defect, insomnia, and chest discomfort in early stage of onset had a negative influence on functional evaluation. Conclusions: Type of stroke, past history, risk factors, emergency treatment and hospitalizing time after onset, abnormal vital sign and intercurrent symptoms in Acute stage were relevant factors in predicting functional evaluation of stroke.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.276-285
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• 2016

Objectives The purpose of this case was to report significant improvement of abdominal pain, constipation and a slight improvement of tremor after treatment by Sasang Constitutional Medicine to the patient with Parkinson's disease.Methods The patient was diagnosed as Soyangin according to the result of Sasang constitutional diagnosis, and treated by Sasang constitutional medications and acupuncture. The progress was evaluated with the Global Assessment Scale (GAS).Results The abdominal pain was reduced from Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)9 to NRS1 and headache was reduced from NRS5 to NRS3. The tremor was reduced to GAS 10. Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) was reduced from 40 to 27. The difference of heat distribution between left and right side was reduced and the abdomen was more warmer on Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI).Conclusions Sasang constitutional medicine can be a solution for the non motor symptoms caused by Parkinson's disease.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.78-89
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• 2023

This paper presents the clinical outcome of an 82-year-old female who experienced sudden back pain combined with lower limb paresthesia and weakness after epidural steroid injection. The magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracolumbar spine showed a spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) extending from T8 to L4. She was treated non-operatively in the traditional Korean medicine (TKM) hospital. The patient's progress was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIS), Spinal Cord Independence Measure version III (SCIM III), and self-reported symptoms. During the 22-day hospitalization period,the NRS score decreased from 7 to 2 points, the motor score on the ASIS scale increased from 65 to 95 points. The subjective sense of lower extremities was felt by 1 increased to 8. The SCIM III score increased from 32 to 69 points. These results suggest that TKM could effectively reduce pain and aid the rehabilitation of patients with SEH.