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Integrative Approach Using Sa-am Acupuncture and Vestibular Rehabilitation for Vestibular Dysfunction with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: A Case Report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: A 63-year-old woman with persistent dizziness following Ramsay Hunt syndrome received 18 days of integrative Korean medicine treatment.The intervention included daily Sa-am acupuncture (phlegm-dizziness method, a modification of the lung-sedation pattern), vestibular rehabilitation using Cawthorne-Cooksey and Hamid protocols, and herbal medicine.Following treatment, the numeric rating scale score for symptom severity improved from 8 to 1. Significant improvements were also observed in the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale, and quality of life (EQ-5D-3L and EQ-VAS).Prednisolone was successfully tapered from 20 to 10 mg daily.On discharge, the patient regained independent ambulation without assistive devices, and no adverse events were reported.This case highlights the potential benefits of integrative Korean medicine combining Sa-am acupuncture and vestibular rehabilitation for refractory dizziness associated with Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

Source: Journal of Acupuncture Research

DOI: 10.13045/jar.25.0035

Authors: Yohwan Kim, Seungjin Noh, Taegon Kim, Haeryoung Jang, Yong-Suk Kim, Seunghoon Lee

Institutions: Kyung Hee University, Kyung Hee University Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Vestibular and auditory disorders

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

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