The Effect of Acupuncture Therapy on Abnormal Eye Movement in Wallenberg's Syndrome / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION<br>There have been very few reports on the effects of acupuncture on abnormal eye movements often seen in patients with central vertigo. Recently we had the opportunity to apply acupuncture to a case of Wallenberg's syndrome, which displays a peculiar nystagmus and vertigo. This case is reported because the effectiveness of acupuncture in improving the eye movement was proved by the electronystagmography (ENG) in collaboration with the Nihon University School of Medicine.<br>CASE REPORT<br>Patient A 47 year old man. Diagnosis Wallenberg's syndrome. Chief Complaint Vertigo. Present Illness In Nov. 1980, the patient noticed a loss of pain and temperature sense in his right limb, followed by vertigo. He was admitted to the Nihon Univ. Hospital in Dec. 1980. CT-examination of the whole body, a vertebral arteriogram, etc. indicated a circulatory failure in the left lateral area of the medulla oblongata.<br>In Mar. 1981, the patient visited our clinic with the chief complaint of vertigo. Present Condition He complained of rotary vertigo. The orthostatic test was positive with both opened and closed eyes. A decrease in the pain and temperature sense on the right side of the body, except for the head, was observed.<br>COURSE<br>Acupuncture was applied to the posterior region of the neck, the back, and the lateral of the lower extremity in order to relax the muscles of these parts. After acupuncture the patient reported a decrease in his vertigo. After the twentieth session of acupuncture the symptoms improved to the extent that he could go out alone. After the twenty-second session, he returned to work. Although his vertigo and nystagmus did not completely disappear, an obvious improvement in these symptoms was seen after each session, and this improved condition remained for two or three days. With the ENG recorded before, shortly after, and 30min. after a session of acupuncture therapy, a decrease in abnormal eye movement after the session was confirmed.<br>CONCLUSION<br>Acupuncture therapy was applied to a case of Wallenberg's syndrome.<br>Result:<br>1. A short-term decrease in vertigo was observed.<br>2. A decrease in abnormal eye movement after acupuncture therapy was confirmed by electronystagmography.