A novel approach using acupuncture for dysphagia after brainstem stroke: A CARE-compliant case report

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing Pub Date : 2025-03-21 DOI:10.1016/j.explore.2025.103155

Yixiao Han , Yihao Zhou , Weibin Gao , Dongyan Wang

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Dysphagia is a common sequela of brainstem stroke, often leading to complications such as aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition. Traditional rehabilitation methods may not be effective for all patients, necessitating alternative therapeutic approaches. Herein, we report a case of acupuncture for dysphagia after brainstem stroke.

Case description

In this report, we describe a 61-year-old male patient with persistent dysphagia, aspiration during water intake, and hoarseness following acute brainstem infarction. Despite undergoing thrombolysis and rehabilitation, his swallowing function remained unimproved. A videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) demonstrated substantial barium residue in bilateral valleculae and pyriform sinuses with significant aspiration. The patient received 14 days of acupuncture therapy, combining electrical stimulation at primary acupoints in the cephalocervical region with rapid needling techniques at extraordinary points in the cervical area. Post-treatment evaluation revealed remarkable improvement in swallowing function with complete resolution of aspiration, enabling nasogastric tube removal. Three-month follow-up confirmed sustained normal swallowing function without recurrence.

Conclusion

The innovative acupuncture treatment regimen we proposed may be a promising therapeutic option for dysphagia after brainstem stroke.

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针灸治疗脑干中风后吞咽困难的新方法：一份符合care的病例报告

吞咽困难是脑干中风的常见后遗症，常导致吸入性肺炎和营养不良等并发症。传统的康复方法未必对所有患者都有效，因此需要采用替代治疗方法。在此，我们报告一例针灸治疗脑干中风后吞咽困难。病例描述在此报告中，我们描述了一位61岁男性患者，急性脑干梗死后出现持续性吞咽困难，喝水时误吸和声音嘶哑。尽管接受了溶栓和康复治疗，他的吞咽功能仍然没有改善。一个视频透视吞咽研究（VFSS）显示大量钡残留在双侧小静脉和梨状窦明显误吸。患者接受了14天的针灸治疗，在头颈部的主要穴位进行电刺激，并在颈部区域的特殊点进行快速针刺技术。治疗后评估显示吞咽功能显著改善，完全消除误吸，可以拔除鼻胃管。3个月随访证实吞咽功能持续正常，无复发。结论我们提出的创新针刺治疗方案可能是治疗脑干卒中后吞咽困难的一种有希望的治疗方案。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Explore-The Journal of Science and Healing 医学-全科医学与补充医学

CiteScore

3.00

自引率

8.30%

发文量

179

审稿时长

25 days

期刊介绍： EXPLORE: The Journal of Science & Healing addresses the scientific principles behind, and applications of, evidence-based healing practices from a wide variety of sources, including conventional, alternative, and cross-cultural medicine. It is an interdisciplinary journal that explores the healing arts, consciousness, spirituality, eco-environmental issues, and basic science as all these fields relate to health.