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Improvement in Balance Impairment Following Cerebral Infarction after Traditional Korean Medicine Including Acupotomy: Case Report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A 69-year-old man with persistent balance impairment following a right medullary infarction showed limited improvement after two months of conventional rehabilitation. Despite recovered lower limb strength, his balance and quality of life remained poor (BBS : 25, EQ-5D VAS : 30, SS-QoL : 137, mRS : 4). He then underwent 10 sessions of traditional Korean medicine over seven weeks, including acupotomy targeting cervical and lumbar areas, along with acupuncture, electroacupuncture, pharmacopuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine. Post-treatment, he exhibited a marked improvement (BBS : 56, EQ-5D VAS : 85, SS-QoL : 226, mRS : 2) and was able to walk independently. No adverse events occurred. This case indicates that traditional Korean medicine, including acupotomy, may have led to significant improvements in gait, balance, and overall quality of life in post-stroke patients. Further research is warranted.

Source: The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine

DOI: 10.22246/jikm.2025.46.3.579

Authors: Hyonjun Chun, Yu-bin Kim, Reewon Kim, Teh-Cheng Sun, Chang-ho Han, Mikyung Kim

Institutions: Dongshin Korean Medicine Hospital, Dongguk University WISE, Dongguk University Ilsan Oriental Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery

Subfield: Rehabilitation

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Ministry of Health and Welfare, Korea Health Industry Development Institute