Improvement of Tetraplegia and Respiratory Symptoms with Complex Korean Medicine Treatment After Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Report

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J Acupunct Res. 2020;37(4):275-280

Publication date (electronic) : 2020 November 23

doi : https://doi.org/10.13045/jar.2020.00213

Eunbyul Cho^1,, Hyeonjun Woo², Nam geun Cho¹

¹Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Korea

²Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Korea

^*Corresponding author: Nam geun Cho, Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Korea, E-mail: choandle@hanmail.net

Received 2020 June 27; Revised 2020 July 28; Accepted 2020 August 03.

Abstract

Introduction

Most spinal cord injuries (SCI) are caused by trauma resulting from traffic accidents and falls, and frequently occur in people < 40 years [1]. Cervical SCI constitute a large proportion of all SCI, commonly affecting C5, C6, and C4 in descending order. SCI mainly impairs motor and sensory function, but in severe cervical SCI cases insufficient respiratory function could occur due to paralysis in the respiratory muscles, decreased lung capacity, and reduced capacity to cough. If the spinal cord is compressed due to the posterior displacement of bone fragments or an intervertebral disc, surgery with an anterior approach can remove the compression caused by the injury [2].

Few cervical SCI cases treated with Korean medicine have been published. Song reported a case of improvement in tetraplegia and neurogenic bladder following Korean medicine treatment for cervical SCI [3], and Choi reported improvement in a patient’s muscle strength, gait status, and reduced level of pain [4]. However, respiratory symptoms occurring after cervical SCI have rarely been reported. More research into different Korean medicine treatments, their efficacy, and prognosis for patients with cervical SCI is needed.

In this study, we report a case of tetraplegia and respiratory symptom following surgery for SCI, and show improvement in the conditions with complex Korean medicine treatment.

Case Report

The patient was informed of the collection and use of personal information necessary for the study, and informed consent was obtained. This was a retrospective study based on medical records, and was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Wonkwang University Korean Medicine Hospital (no.: WKUIOMH-2020-04).

The patient was a 73-year-old male, admitted to the Wonkwang University Hospital after he slipped in the bathroom on August 18^th, 2019. He was diagnosed with C3/4 SCI and cervical spinal stenosis by cervical (C)-spine X-ray and C-spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigations. The C-spine MRI revealed a diffuse high T2 signal at C4 body level of the spinal cord suggesting acute contusion, and moderate central spinal stenosis at C3/4/5/6 due to disc bulging and bilateral uncovertebral joint hypertrophy (Fig. 1). The patient underwent right anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery for C3/4/5 on August 19^th, 2019 (Fig. 2). Postoperatively, he was treated with analgesic medication, O2 inhalation and antibiotic injections.

Fig 1

Patient’s cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging(T2) (Sagittal, Axial at C4 body level) on August 18, 2019.

Fig 2

Patient’s cervical spine X-ray (A) lateral view on August 18, 2019 (B) anteriorposterior, lateral view after surgery (August 19, 2019).

On August 30^th, 2019, he was admitted to the Wonkwang University Korean Medicine Hospital and was hospitalized until November 13^th, 2019. After discharge, he experienced worsening of tetraplegia and general weakness. He was hospitalized again from January 17^th to February 28^th, 2020.

He had a history of hypertension and diabetes diagnosed 10 years ago. He continued to take medications prescribed by the Wonkwang University Hospital during his hospitalization at the Korean Medicine Hospital.

Clinical findings and diagnostic focus

The manual muscle test, the functional independent measure (FIM), and the Korean version of the modified Barthel index (K–MBI) were used to evaluate the patient’s progress. The manual muscle test measures muscle strength (Grades 0–5) according to the expanded Medical Research Council system (Table 1) [5]. The K-MBI evaluates independence in performing daily activities using 5 grades, depending on the degree of assistance [6]. The FIM evaluates the degree of impairment in physical and cognitive function, and comprises of 18 items (scores 1–7) based on dependence [7].

Table 1

Expanded Medical Research Council Scale for the Manual Muscle Test.

On August 30^th, 2019, the muscle strengths of the upper extremities were shoulder flexion (3−/3−), elbow flexion (2+/2+), and elbow extension (2/2). The K-MBI and the FIM scores were 29 and 56, respectively. According to the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale, this patient was given a Grade D classification as sensory function was preserved at all neurological levels, and motor function was ≥ 3 in most of the key muscles [2]. Gasping occurred when the patient lay in a supine position for > 1 minute, and coughing occurred approximately 3–4 times/day with white sputum. Sputum formation and the globus pharyngeus sensation were reported postoperatively. Radiculopathy, bowel and bladder control problems were not present. The patient’s neurological examination results were pupil reflex (3+/3+), Babinski’s sign (−/−), Hoffmann sign (+/+), ankle clonus (−/−), and deep tendon reflexes of C5 (+/++), C6 (+/++), C7 (++/++), L4 (++/++), and S1 (++/++).

Therapeutic interventions

Single-use acupuncture needles (stainless steel 0.30 × 30 mm, Woojin acupuncture Inc., Boryeong, Korea) were inserted to a depth of about 10 mm at acupoints LI4, TE5, LI11, GB34, ST36, GB39, and LR3 once per day. Electrostimulation was performed bilaterally at TE5-LI11 or GB34-GB39 by an electric stimulator (STN-110, Stratek, Anyang, Korea). Electroacupuncture stimulation was performed for 15 minutes with 120 Hz continuous wave, and the current intensity was increased according to the patient’s level of tolerance. Acupuncture treatment was performed by a specialist in acupuncture and moxibustion medicine (> 20 years of clinical experience) and residents with clinical experience (> 1 year).

Hominis placenta pharmacopuncture (C1-JH, Jaseng, Namyangju, Korea) was performed 8 times during the first hospitalization, approximately once every 2 weeks to both SI10 and PC2. Disposable 29-gauge × 38 mm sterile needles (Sungshim Medical Co., Bucheon, Korea) were used to inject each acupoint with 0.5 mL of hominis placenta solution to a depth of 0.5–1 cm. The patient was prescribed Dokhwalgisaeng-tang-Gami (120 mL, 3 times/day, 1 hour after eating) to aid the recovery from SCI. Macmundong-tang soft extract (Hamsoa Pharmaceutical Co.) was prescribed to relieve the patient’s cough, production of sputum, and globus pharyngeus sensation from September 10^th, 2019 to September 25^th, 2019. Since the patient’s coughing and production of sputum were effectively reduced after taking Macmundong-tang, Liriope platyphylla, the main ingredient of Macmundong-tang, was added to the herbal medication treatment list on September 26^th, 2019 (Table 2).

Table 2

Prescription and Daily Dose of Dokhwalgisaeng-tang-Gami.

Moxibustion was performed 5 times/week on the patient’s abdomen, and dry cupping was performed on the back-shu points once daily to promote blood circulation.

The patient was treated with foot-bath (FZ600A, Koreagat, Wanju, Korea) therapy 5 times/week for 20 minutes or with 30 minutes of lower-body sauna 3–4 times/week using a lower-body sauna device (UTH-SN2, GS Sauna, Gimhae, Korea) during the first admission. The patient was treated with physical and occupational therapy 6 times/week, in consultation with the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine.

Outcomes

The K-MBI score increased to 43 with improvements in ambulation on September 8^th, 2019. On November 13^th, 2019, the muscle strength of the elbow joints increased in flexion (4/4+) and extension (5−/5−). The K-MBI and the FIM scores increased to 71 and 78, respectively, and he was able to walk for 2 minutes without the use of a device for assistance.

On January 17^th, 2020, when the patient was re-admitted, the muscle strength of the upper extremities was approximately 3+/4+. The K-MBI score was 51 and the FIM was 62, showing deterioration within the last 2 months. He could not walk without assistance (a walker) because there was some difficulty in balancing. After treatment, on February 28^th, 2020, the muscle strength of the upper extremities increased to 4+/4+ (Table 3). The K-MBI and the FIM scores increased to 79 and 95, respectively (Tables 4 and 5), and he could walk without assistance for approximately 5 minutes (Table 6).

Table 3

Changes in the Patient’s Motor Grade.

Table 4

Changes in the Korean Version of Modified Barthel Index Score.

Table 5

Changes of the Functional Independence Measure Score.

Table 6

Changes in the Patient’s Locomotion.

Although he had been treated at the Wonkwang University Hospital for dyspnea with O₂ inhalation and had decreased oxygen saturation in his blood, O₂ was no longer needed. The patient’s oxygen saturation was 91%–92% on the first and second day, and then remained below 95%. The duration time for lying supine increased as the dyspnea improved. He could maintain a supine position without dyspnea for more than 20 minutes on October 15^th, 2019. His coughing disappeared on October 8^th, 2019, and the amount of sputum produced decreased to 50% on October 21^st, 2019 before finally disappearing. Although the globus pharyngeus sensation persisted slightly even after discharge, there was no discomfort. Fig. 3 shows the patient’s history and progress. There were no adverse events due to treatment or unanticipated events during hospitalization.

Fig. 3

Timeline of the patient’s history and progress.

Discussion

The patient’s motor weakness due to SCI was considered a wilting syndrome (痿證) in Korean medicine. Acupoints located at the paralyzed joints and muscles were selected for acupuncture treatment mainly to improve motor function [8]. Hominis placenta pharmacopuncture and electroacupuncture were combined with the treatment because they have been reported to aid recovery in motor function in SCI, and contribute to nerve regeneration [9].

It has been reported that Dokhwalgisaeng-tang has a protective action against spinal motor neuron damage [10]. Considering general weakness and tetraplegia, Astragalus membranaceus was prescribed as the main ingredient for its antioxidant and neuroprotective effects [11]. It is assumed that electroacupuncture, and Dokhwalgisaeng-tang with Astragalus membranaceus (the treatments mainly used in this case), played a major role in improving the patient’s tetraplegia. Additionally, symptoms of coughing and production of sputum persisted without improvement, but decreased after administering Liriope platyphylla, an antitussive and expectorant [12]. The foot-bath, lower-body sauna, and moxibustion are thought to stimulate blood circulation and relieve fatigue [1].

A study on the prognosis of cervical SCI, showed the K-MBI increased by 28.19 and the FIM increased by 20.26 on average, in a group of patients without radiating pain [13]. The follow-up period was uncertain, and so it cannot be directly compared with this case. However, since the K-MBI and the FIM scores increased by 53 and 39, respectively, in this case, treatment results can be considered as meaningful. The patient showed a high level of satisfaction with his treatment and after discharge following the second hospitalization, he could return to daily activities.

This study has limitations as it reports a single case. Moreover, the patient not only underwent Korean medical treatment, but also received physical therapy and medicines prescribed by the previous hospital. Therefore, the patient’s progress cannot be attributed only to Korean medicine treatment. Nevertheless, in this case, various Korean medical treatments such as electroacupuncture, pharmacopuncture, herbal medicine, foot-bath, and lower-body sauna were applied. Progress in muscle strength, independence in daily activities, respiratory symptoms, and neurological signs were observed for 6 months from the onset of the injury. Post-treatment, the patient’s muscle strength and independence in performing daily activities improved significantly, suggesting the efficacy of Korean medicine treatment in rehabilitation of cervical SCI patients. Future studies should evaluate the prognosis and effects of Korean medical treatment for SCI.

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