Korean Medical Treatment of Cognitive Impairments after Traumatic Epidural Hemorrhage: A Case Report

Abstract

Objectives After epidural hemorrhage, sequelae may cause cognitive impairments, such as attention, memory, and performance disturbances. This case study reports on the use of traditional Korean medicine in a patient with cognitive impairments after a traumatic epidural hemorrhage. Methods During the 46-day hospitalization period, traditional Korean medicine treatments, including Sunkihwalhyul-tang-gamibang, Ukgan-san-gajinpibanha Granule, Kyungohk-go, acupuncture, and cupping, were administered. The degree of cognitive impairment was measured based on the Mini Mental State Examination-Korea (MMSE-K), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and correct answer ratio. Results After traditional Korean medicine treatment, the MMSE-K score increased from 13 to 19 and the MBI score increased from 63 to 71. The patient’s conversations in daily life also proceeded more smoothly than before hospitalization, and the correct answer ratio rose. Conclusion This case reports the improvement of cognitive impairment after traumatic epidural hemorrhage in response to traditional Korean medicine treatment; further study is needed. Keywords: traumatic epidural hemorrhage, cognitive impairments, Sunkihwalhyul-tang, Ukgan-san-gajinpibanha, case report