Herbal medicine and acupuncture relieved progressive bulbar palsy for more than 3 years: A case report. Issue 45 (11th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peng, Siyang; Chang, Weiqian; Tian, Yukun; Yang, Yajing; Li, Shaohong; Ni, Jinxia; Zhu, Wenzeng
• Is Part Of: Medicine. Volume 101:Issue 45(2022)
• Page Start: e31446
• Publication Date: 2022-11-11
• Subjects: acupuncture -- case report -- motor neuron disease (MND) -- progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) -- traditional Chinese medicine (TCM); Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Périodiques; Geneeskunde; Medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000031446
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-7974

Abstract

Abstract : Rationale: Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) is a type of motor neuron disease (MND). The main symptoms include dysarthria, dysphagia, tongue muscle atrophy and fasciculations. This disease is generally severe and develops rapidly. Due to the lack of effective treatment, many patients with MND in China turn to traditional Chinese medicine treatment for help. We successfully relieved dysphagia and sialorrhea in a patient with PBP for 3 years with herbal medicine and acupuncture. Patient concerns: The patient was a 68-years-old woman with PBP and suffered from severe dysphagia and sialorrhea. Diagnoses: Progressive bulbar palsy. Interventions: Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture. Outcomes: After 4 months of herbal medicine and acupuncture treatment, dysphagia and sialorrhea were relieved considerably. The patient's condition has been stable for more than 3 years and continues to be treated with Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture. Lessons: Our case suggests that alternative therapies such as herbal medicine and acupuncture may be effective in alleviating the symptoms of MND/PBP. However, standardized clinical studies are still required to verify the effectiveness and safety.