Acupuncture for Pain and Headache Associated with Syringomyelia: A Case Report

Abstract

Syringomyelia is characterized by the development of fluid-filled cysts within the spinal cord, leading to a range of neurological symptoms. This case report discusses the treatment of a 57-year-old male with acquired syringomyelia, which caused severe pain and headaches and significantly impacted his daily life for over ten years before he was introduced to acupuncture six years ago. Initially, the patient experienced constant pain with a visual analog scale (VAS) score of 7 (on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the worst) and relied on narcotics and muscle relaxants for symptom management. However, with regular acupuncture treatments, he was able to manage his pain more effectively, reducing his VAS score to 2-3 out of 10, discontinuing narcotic use, and experiencing significant improvements in quality of life, mood, and sleep.

This case report highlights how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnostic tools, a tailored treatment plan, regular acupuncture sessions, and cupping therapy provide valuable support and relief for patients with this rare and complex biomedical condition.