Cervical spinal epidural abscess following acupuncture and wet-cupping therapy: A case report. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yao, Yindan; Hong, Wenke; Chen, Huimin; Guan, Qiongfeng; Yu, Hu; Chang, Xianchao; Yu, Yaoping; Xu, Shanhu; Fan, Weinv
• Is Part Of: Complementary therapies in medicine. Volume 24(2016)
• Page Start: 108
• Page End: 110
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: Spinal -- Epidural -- Abscess -- Cupping -- Acupuncture; Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; Complementary Therapies -- Periodicals; Médecines parallèles -- Périodiques; Thérapeutique -- Périodiques; Alternative medicine; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2015.12.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0965-2299

Abstract

Highlights: We report a case of cervical epidural abscess that developed after acupuncture and wet-cupping therapy in China for the first time. Acupuncture and wet-cupping therapy should be taken into consideration as a cause of spinal epidural abscesses. Acupuncture and wet-cupping practitioners should pay attention to hygienic measures. Abstract: Objective: Report of an uncommon complication of acupuncture and wet cupping. Methods: A 54-year-old man presented with neck pain and fever. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine revealed an epidural abscess at C4 to T2. Results: The symptoms related to epidural abscess resolved partially after treatment with antibiotics. Conclusion: Acupuncture and wet-cupping therapy should be taken into consideration as a cause of spinal epidural abscesses in patients who present with neck pain and fever. Furthermore, acupuncture and wet-cupping practitioners should pay attention to hygienic measures.