http://aim.bmj.com Acupuncture in Medicine RSS feed -- recent Case report articles Acupuncture in Medicine 0964-5284 http://aim.bmj.com/site/homepage/AiM_95x60.gif http://aim.bmj.com http://aim.bmj.com/cgi/content/short/29/2/152?rss=1 Electroacupuncture (EA) is commonly used for pain relief, with good results even in persistent chronic pain. However, published reports suggest that EA should not be used in patients who have pacemaker, since there is a theoretical risk of malfunction of the pacemaker. The case is described of a 50-year-old female patient, who has had severe low back pain resistant both to conventional and unconventional treatment methods. The only treatment that seemed to have some positive effect, but of extremely short duration, was acupuncture. Her condition deteriorated considerably, and after due consideration she was treated with EA. Even after the first EA treatment, the patient's condition improved. Since then, she has received many EA courses during the past 2 years without any complications or side effects. The results of this case study suggest that EA might be a safe alternative for patients with a pacemaker, confirming the current recommendations on use. Every patient should be considered with care, individually.

]]> 2011-05-26T10:05:28-07:00 info:doi/10.1136/aim.2010.003863 hwp:master-id:acupmed;aim.2010.003863 British Medical Acupuncture Society 2011-06-01 Case report 29 2 152 153 http://aim.bmj.com/cgi/content/short/28/4/205?rss=1 A 69 year-old woman presented in the surgery because of a whiplash-type injury. Because of progressive headache and dizziness since the accident, and because she had developed rhinitis and intermittent flashes of the left visual field, she was admitted to the neurological department on suspicion of subdural haematoma and possible fracture of the skull. Neurological examination and a CT scan were normal and she was discharged. Because of persisting headaches, and dizziness, her own general practitioner decided to use acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture was given at points GB20 GB21 and SI16 bilaterally and directly over the site in the forehead, where she fell. After 6 weeks treatment, the dizziness disappeared, and after two additional treatments the rhinitis and headache disappeared. At follow-up 6 months after cessation of treatment, the patient had only intermittent dizziness, with no headaches, visual disturbances or rhinitis.

]]> 2010-12-08T10:29:26-08:00 info:doi/10.1136/aim.2009.002154 hwp:master-id:acupmed;aim.2009.002154 British Medical Acupuncture Society 2010-12-01 Case report 28 4 205 206