Archive for the ‘Case Studies’ Category
The Acupuncture Treatment of Crohn’s Disease
Chief Complaint: Crohn’s disease.
Medical History: Crohn’s disease first diagnosed twenty years previous to first visit (patient 52 years old). Soon after a right hemi-colectomy was carried out, and about 40cm of Small Intestine including appendix and ileal sphincter was removed. About 16 years of relative health followed, after which disease progressed to include ulceration in the colon. Prognosis was for a permanent stoma, and the aim of treatment was literally to see if any improvement could be gained. At time of first consultation, patient was suffering from frequent sudden senses of pain and distension, followed by immediate need to evacuate bowels. This occurred 6-7 times a day, and included bleeding
Last modified: September 8, 2009 · al · No Comments
Tags: Acupuncture, Crohn's disease · Posted in: Digestive
RSD Treated with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs
Chief Complaint: Pain, constipation
Western Diagnosis: Total Body Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
Medical History: 46 year old, very active and successful, sportive white male, developed RSD after a de Quervain’s tendonitis from overusing his hand, doing repetitive movements. 4 weeks later his whole right hand was hurting, burning, sensitive to touch and AC, and turning blue. A stellate ganglion block revealed that he had developed RSD. Two month later he developed mirror image symptoms in his left hand, later in his feet. 1 years later he had total body RSD. Causing him excruciating pain, muscle twitches, difficulty in urination, constipation, depression, insomnia, poor memory, nightly hiccups, spontaneous localized sweating in the effected extremities, lethargy, skin sensitivity, hot flashes, migraines. The patient received during a period of 2 years 150 nerve blocks, and is on many medications (analgesics, anti-spasmodics, anti-depressants, tranquilizers, etc.) He still tries to stay active, since inactivity increases his symptoms. he can not use his hands very often, but can walk and swim. Good dietary habits, since red meet, alcohol and sugar make his pain worse. Patient is disabled.
Last modified: September 8, 2009 · al · No Comments
Tags: Acupuncture, RSD · Posted in: Neurological
The Use of Acupuncture and Herbs for Meniere’s Disease
Chief Complaint: Dizziness
Western Diagnosis: Meniere’s Disease
Medical History: 54 yo male with 15 year history of Meniere’s disease. Vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss, vomiting when severe. Tried diuretics, salt restriction, conventional medications, all without benefit.
Questioning exam: Had not tried alternative methods. Has had recurrent severe episodes with increased severity. (Always has the basic symptoms, however).The frequency of severe attacks has steadily increased, from 1 per year to 6 this summer.Heat exacerbates the symptoms. He also has a feeling of fullness in his ears.
Last modified: September 8, 2009 · al · No Comments
Tags: Acupuncture, dizziness, Herbs, Meniere's Disease · Posted in: EENT, Neurological
The Treatment of Facial Flushing and Hot Flashes with Acupuncture
Chief Complaint: Facial Flushing
Western Diagnosis: Hot Flashes
Medical History: This patient, (a male), complains of hot facial flushing. This patient complains of blurred vision which is worse when he is tired. He states that he is irritable, is easily disturbed by situations, and is easily frustrated. He states that he has a dry mouth, dry lips, and dry skin. He states that he has palpitations. He has perspiration on his palms and soles, He complains of not having time to exercise or time for recreational activities, He also states that he feels moody, and occasionally has a sinking feeling from his heart. The flushing is located on both cheeks and lower portions of his ears. The flushing is intermittent, it feels hot to the patient, and is warm to the touch. No other treatment or medication has been taken. This patient does not smoke, use drugs or drink alcohol. His diet consists of “fast foods” and sometimes he skips breakfast. His blood pressure is 120/90. His pulse is 66BPM.
Last modified: September 8, 2009 · al · No Comments
Tags: Acupuncture, anger, flushing, hot flashes · Posted in: Well-Being
The Acupuncture Treatment of Bell’s Palsy
Chief Complaint: Facial Paralysis
Western Diagnosis: Bell’s Palsy
Medical History: This 46 yr old female patient came to me with a recent case of Bell’s Palsy.(2 days). Complained of chronic low back pain, headaches, and a feeling of weakness for the last 3 months. Tried to eat conscientiousness but often had little to no appetite. too tired to work out because work schedule was too intense.Complained of being cold easily.
Questioning exam: Upon further questioning we discerned that she had much stress with her job. When asked if she felt that she had “support” in her life she admitted that that was precisely her personal complaint. (Low back pain can sometimes be an indication that the patient feels that he/she is unsupported).
Last modified: September 8, 2009 · al · No Comments
Tags: Acupuncture, Bells Palsy · Posted in: Neurological
The Acupuncture Treatment of Muscle Atrophy
Chief Complaint: Fatigue, post viral muscle atrophy, arm pains along radial bones in both arms, extreme shyness
Western Diagnosis: Post viral syndrome, muscle atrophy.
Medical History: Male age 21, suffered sever CFS at age 13-severe fatigue, fevers, weakness, immune dysfunction. History of following hopefuls of herbs, vitamin/mineral protocols and biochemistry adjustments. The illness left him with the above mentions complaints. Particularly the atrophy of muscles of upper arms and back and upper body. Lower half of the body was strong.
Last modified: September 8, 2009 · al · No Comments
Tags: Acupuncture, atrophy · Posted in: Metabolic
The Treatment of Ear Ache with Chinese Herbs and Acupuncture
Chief Complaint: Ear pain and head ache
Western Diagnosis: Ear infection and fluid accumulation
Medical History: Lower back pain(dull), inability to get pregnant for 4 months, 2 miscariages in the past.
Questioning exam: Appetite is well, sleep is well, urination bowel all normal. No cold hands feet, very seldom dizzy especially after squatting.
Last modified: September 8, 2009 · al · No Comments
Tags: Acupuncture, ear ache · Posted in: EENT
The Treatment of Headaches with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Chief Complaint: Headache
Medical History: Patient is a 56 years old male with general normal appearance, obesity: weight: 213 Lbs, height: 5’4″, red face and strong voice.
Chief Complaint: headache on and off for about 5 months, the pain is mostly “behind the eyes” and on parietal side of head, sometimes accompanied with nauseous and vertigo, usually he has from 5 to 6 attacks/week. Blood tests are unremarkable, blood pressure in the range of 140 to 145/80 to 85 mmHg. MRI and X ray shown no abnormal. He recently eating a lot of “fast food” due to lack of time for meals at work. He drinks from 2 to 5 cups of coffee/day and 1 to 2 drinks (red wine) after diner. Lack of exercise and physical activities due to very tired and heaviness sensation in body. Taking medications for pain with temporary relief but having a lot of side effects (especially stomach problems).
Last modified: September 8, 2009 · al · No Comments
Tags: Acupuncture, headache, Herbs · Posted in: Neurological
The Treatment of Polyneuropathy with Acupuncture
Chief Complaint: headache, finger & feet numbness, asthma
Western Diagnosis: degenerated inflammatory polyneuropathy
Medical History: hepatitis, allergy, asthma, high blood pressure,liver removal surgery, in-born one kidney, vegetable diet with dairy products, little exercise, obesity
Questioning exam: -How long you have these symptoms?
-Asthma since a little child. Hepatitis since surgery. Headache for about 10 years.
Last modified: September 8, 2009 · al · No Comments
Tags: asthma, polyneuropathy · Posted in: Neurological
The Treatment of Fatigue with Acupuncture and Herbs
Chief Complaint: Extreme fatigue and pain in joints
Western Diagnosis: Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach
Medical History: Patient is a 67 year old male that outside of the diagnosis appears to be in good health. Blood panels are unremarkable. MRI reveals tumor of approximately 18 inches in diameter. Tumor is causing local as well as referred pain into the inguinal region.
Questioning exam: Most questions and answers were based upon the MRI findings. Surprisingly, his pain is not that severe. Has indigestion and diarrhea frequently, but better with medication (prilosec).
Last modified: September 8, 2009 · al · No Comments
Tags: Acupuncture, Adenocarcinoma, fatigue · Posted in: Cancer, Metabolic