Traditional Chinese Medicine in the treatment of Polyneuropathy - A Pilot Study

Abstract

Polyneuropathy is a generalized disease of the peripheral nervous system and most commonly caused by diabetes and alcohol abuse. However, the cause often remains unknown, which means that only symptomatic treatment is available. Pain is treated with moderate success leading to unsatisfying treatment results which also reduce the patients’ quality of life. The pilot study’s aim was to demonstrate that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be an opportunity of treating polyneuropathy, improving symptoms and the quality of life. 12 patients were included into the study, treated with a combination of Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxa, qi gong, dietetics, Japanese overheating bath and lens bath at the Klinik am Steigerwald. Sensitivity, motor skills, reflexes and anamnestic parameters were examined at the beginning. The patients completed the SF-36 questionnaire in order to assess quality of life. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there were 2 Dropouts. A significant improvement (p=0.00579) was observed in the area of hypesthesia at the back of the foot/sole. Pain decreased significantly in 7 patients (p=0.01381, n=8). Cold sensation could be restored in at least one segment in 6 patients (60%), warm sensation restored in 5 patients (50%) left and 4 patients (40%) right. At least 3 touch sensation improvements were seen in 5 patients (50%). The quality of life of the patients was also improved by the therapeutic concept. A significant improvement could be achieved in the area of physical function with p=0.00911. The data suggests that there is a positive effect of TCM on idiopathic polyneuropathy as measured by subjective parameters.