• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.222-230
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• 2023

Objectives: This study reports the effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy concurrent with Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. Case presentation: A 58-year-old male was admitted for hand numbness and foot pain after his sixth chemotherapy. He was treated with acupuncture and moxibustion for 18 days. Symptoms were evaluated with a numeric rating scale (NRS). After 18 days of treatment, his foot pain improved from NRS 4 to NRS 2. His hand numbness disappeared. Conclusion: This study suggests that acupuncture and moxibustion can be used for managing diabetic peripheral neuropathy concurrent with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.208-212
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• 2015

Objectives : We present a successful administration of acupuncture in alleviating persistant peripheral neuropathy due to bortezomib, a potent therapeutic agent of mutlple myeloma. Methods : A patient, experiencing numbness, coldness, tingling and weakness in her feet and hands after bortezomib treatment, was administered acupuncture for 32 weeks, 3 times/week for first 4 weeks and 2 times/week the last 28 weeks, in bilateral acupuncture points, ST36, ST40, EX-LE10, LI11, TE5, and EX-UE9. Responses were assessed at the end of every 4 weeks with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group(ECOG) grading system, National Cancer Institute - Common Toxicity Criteria(NCIC-CTC) v4.0, Numeric Rating Scale(NRS) 0-10, and Neuropathy Pain Scale (NPS). Results : ECOG was improved from 2 to 1, NCIC-CTC from 2 to 1, NRS from 8 to 1, and NPS from 41 to 5 through 32 weeks of acupuncture treatment. Conclusions : It is conceivable that acupuncture can be a help to relieve bortezomib induced peripheral neuropathy.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.74-80
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• 2011

Background: Lidocaine patch (L5P) has demonstrated short-term efficacy in treating both acute surgical pain and chronic neuropathic pain with tolerable side effects. Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is the mainstay of minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). Sufficient analgesia during PELD surgery makes the patient consider it real MISS. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of lidocaine patch in patients who underwent PELD under local anesthesia. Methods: L5P (L group) or placebo (P group) was randomly applied on the skin of the back covering the anticipated path of the working channel before 1 hour of surgery in 100 patients who underwent a single level PELD at L4-L5. Efficacy of the lidocaine patch was assessed by patient's numeric rating scale (NRS) of pain at each stage during the surgery and by a 5-scale grading of the satisfaction with the anesthesia of the operator and patients after surgery. Results: Mean NRS scores at the stages of needle insertion, skin incision, serial dilation and insertion of working channel, and subcutaneous suture were significantly lower in the L group than the P group. Postoperative operator's and patients' satisfaction scores were also significantly higher in L group than in the P group. There were subtle adverse effects in both groups. Conclusions: L5P provided better pain relief during PELD, especially at the stage of needle insertion, skin incision, serial dilation and insertion of working channel, and subcutaneous suture. It also provided higher patient and operator postoperative satisfaction, with only subtle adverse effects.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.133-140
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• 2015

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report a case of Brown-Sequard syndrome caused by traumatic cervical fracture, presenting pain in the right upper extremity and back of the left hand, motor weakness in the right side and diminished pain and temperature in the left side. Methods : A patient received Korean medical treatment(acupuncture, electroacupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, Silver Spike point electrotherapy(SSP)) and rehabilitation treatment. We evaluated pain with the Numeric Rating Scale(NRS), motor grade with a Medical Research Council(MRC) scale, sensory function and Modified Barthel Index(MBI). Results : After treatment, the patient showed considerable improvement in NRS, motor & sensory function, and MBI. Conclusions : Korean medical and rehabilitation treatments could be effective for Brown-Sequard syndrome patients. More extensive studies should be carried out.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.61-76
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• 2019

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to report the clinical results of various medical methods (including Chuna joint mobilization) used to treat a single patient with polyneuritis. Methods : We treated a 46 year-old female patient diagnosed with polyneuritis using various methods, including acupuncture, moxibustion, infrared therapy, herbal medication, Western medication, Chuna manual therapy, and physical therapy. We evaluated the results using the numeric rating scale (NRS), manual muscle test (MMT), active range of motion (ROM), modified barthel index (MBI). Other evaluation scale included Deep tendon reflex and thickness of muscle especially forearm and lower leg. Results : Following treatment using a combination of the above methods, the general overall condition of the patients was significantly improved. Furthermore, the NRS, MMT, MBI, and the active ROM scores were numerically improved. Conclusions : In this case, a single patient with polyneuritis was treated using a combination of Korean and Western medical methods. Although this study provides useful insight into treatment methods, further studies are required to determine the treatment effects of Korean medicine, specifically Chuna manual therapy, in patients with polyneuritis.

• Journal of East-West Nursing Research
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.75-82
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• 2022

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of auricular acupressure on low back pain and headaches in nurses. Methods: A open-label randomized controlled trial was used. Thirty-nine nurses with low back pain for more than 3 months participated in this study. Auricular acupressure stickers were applied to the participants's waist, head and Shen men in the experimental group for 2 weeks. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) were administered to measure participants' pain. Results: The mean differences of the VAS and the HIT-6 were significant in the experimental group at the pre and post-tests. A repeated-measures ANOVA revealed that low back pain and headache measured using NRS in the experimental group decreased significantly compared to the control group at the pre and post-tests over 2 weeks. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that auricular acupressure could be used as a useful intervention for self-care for nurses with low back pain and headache.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.920-928
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• 2023

Objectives: This study reports on the effect of Korean medicine treatment, including Soeumin Bojungikgitang-gagambang, on a patient with postherpetic neuralgia. Methods: The patient received Korean herbal medicine, pharmacopuncture treatment, and acupuncture treatment for 22 days. We assessed changes in symptoms due to the treatment using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the McGill Pain Questionnaire-Short Form (SF-MPQ), and the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) scale. We also measured the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) to distinguish neuropathic pain. Results: After treatment, the patient showed decreased NRS, SF-MPQ, and EQ-5D scores. Conclusion: The results indicate that Korean medicine treatment, including Soeumin Bojungikgitang-gagambang, is an effective management of symptoms in patients with postherpetic neuralgia.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.113-125
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• 2024

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report the effect of Korean-Western medicine combination treatment administered to two patients with acute herpes zoster. Methods : During hospitalization, the two patients were treated with Hyeonggaeyeongyotang-gagam, Hwangryunhaedok-tang wet dressing, pharmacopuncture, acupuncture, and other western medications including antiviral and analgesic agents. Photographs of skin lesions, numeric rating scale(NRS), and visual analog scale(VAS) were used to assess the improvement of symptoms. Results : At the time of discharge, both patients showed remarkable improvement in skin lesions, NRS for pain, and VAS for pruritus and insomnia. Conclusions : The results demonstrated that Korean-Western medicine combination treatment may be effective for treating herpes zoster.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.94-101
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• 2024

Background For the small glabrous skin defect, Thenar and Hypothenar skin are useful donors and they have been used as a free flap. Because of similar skin characteristics, both flaps have same indications. We will conduct comparative study for the donor morbidity of the Free thenar flap and Hypothenar free flap. Methods From January 2011 to December 2021, demographic data, characteristics of each flap, and complications using retrospective chart review were obtained. Donor outcomes of the patient, who had been followed up for more than 6 months, were measured using photographic analysis and physical examination. General pain was assessed by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score, neuropathic pain was assessed by Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4) score, scar appearance was assessed by modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS), and patient satisfaction was assessed on a 3-point scale. Statistical analysis was performed on the outcomes. Results Out of the 39 survey respondents, 17 patients received Free thenar flaps, and 22 patients received Hypothenar free flaps. Thenar group had higher NRS, DN4, and mVSS (p < 0.05). The average scores for the Thenar and Hypothenar groups were 1.35 and 0.27 for NRS, 2.41 and 0.55 for DN4, and 3.12 and 1.59 for mVSS, respectively. Despite the Hypothenar group showing greater satisfaction on the 3-point scale (1.82) compared with the Thenar group (1.47), the difference was not significant (p = 0.085). Linear regression analysis indicated that flap width did not have a notable impact on the outcome measures, and multiple linear regression analysis revealed no significant interaction between flap width and each of the outcome measures. Conclusion Despite the limited number of participants, higher donor morbidity in general pain, neuropathic pain, and scar formation was noted in the Thenar free flap compared with the Hypothenar free flap. However, no difference in overall patient satisfaction was found between the two groups.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.65-74
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• 2016

Objectives : This study was designed to assess the general distribution, clinical effectiveness of Korean medical treatment on knee pain and the correlation between Korean medical therapy on knee pain and BMI. Methods : This is an observational study. 65 patients admitted to Daejeon Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine with musculoskeletal disorders were observed from July, 2014 to July, 2015. They were analyzed according to sex, age, pain lesion, body mass index(BMI) and treatment efficacy. All patients received a combination of treatments during hospitalization, including acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, herbal medicines and physical therapy. A zero to ten numerating rating scale (NRS) assessing pain, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index(WOMAC) index and Range of Motion(ROM) was used before and after treatments. Statistical correlations among assessment measurements were evaluated by examining the paired t-test and the Pearson's correlation coefficients. Results : The average BMI of all patients was $24.03{\pm}2.95kg/m^2$. According to clinical definition of obesity by Korean Society for the Study of Obesity, 33.8% of all patients was within normal weight, 1.5% was underweight, 33.8% was overweight, 24.6% was obesity and 6.2% was morbid obesity. For knee pain patients, NRS (Numeric Rating Scale) decreased from $6.28{\pm}1.63$ to $3.94{\pm}2.03$(p<0.001). WOMAC index decreased from $48.14{\pm}17.63$ to $40.37{\pm}18.28$(p<0.001). But, there were no significant correlations in statistics among BMI, knee pain index and knee pain index improvement. Conclusions : Korean medical combination treatment might be effective in reducing pain and improving functional disorders for patients with knee pain. This study further confirmed the efficacy of Korean medical treatment on knee pain. But, more studies on correlation between knee pain and obesity and development of assessment measurement are needed.