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http://dx.doi.org/10.22246/jikm.2020.41.5.777

A Case Report of a Patient with Wernicke's Encephalopathy Complaining of Quadriplegia, Ataxia, and Impaired Cognition Improved by Korean Medicine Treatment  

Shim, Sang-song (Dept. of Internal Medicine, College of Oriental Medicine, Wonkwang University)
Lee, Hyun-seung (Dept. of Internal Medicine, College of Oriental Medicine, Wonkwang University)
Ahn, Jae-yoon (Dept. of Internal Medicine, College of Oriental Medicine, Wonkwang University)
Chae, Han-nah (Dept. of Internal Medicine, College of Oriental Medicine, Wonkwang University)
Yun, Jong-min (Dept. of Internal Medicine, College of Oriental Medicine, Wonkwang University)
Moon, Byung-soon (Dept. of Internal Medicine, College of Oriental Medicine, Wonkwang University)
Publication Information
The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine / v.41, no.5, 2020 , pp. 777-786 More about this Journal
Abstract
Background: This study is a report on a case of a Wernicke's encephalopathy with quadriplegia, ataxia, and impaired cognition, whose condition was improved by Korean medicine treatment. Case report: A 51-year-old man diagnosed with Wernicke's encephalopathy was treated with acupuncture, Banhabakchulchunma-tang mixed with Ondam-tang-gami (半夏白朮天麻湯合溫膽湯加味), cupping, moxibustion, and rehabilitation. Clinical symptoms were measured with the Manual Muscle Test (MMT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Korean Mini Mental Status Exam (K-MMSE), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and a numeric rating scale (NRS). After 22 days of treatment, his clinical symptoms showed improvement. The motor function improved (MMT Rt. side Gr. 4+G/4+G, Lt. side Gr. 4G/4+G → Rt. side Gr. 5-N/4+G, Lt. side Gr. 5-N/4+G), Ataxia was relieved (BBS 3→33), cognition improved (K-MMSE 15→27), ADL scores showed improvement (FIM 58→90, MBI 40→75), and the NRS score decreased for headache (3→0). Conclusion: Korean medicine treatment could be effective in the treatment of patients with Wernicke's encephalopathy.
Keywords
Wernicke's encephalopathy; quadriplegia; ataxia; impaired cognition; Korean medicine treatment;
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