Korean Medicine Treatment Research Articles

A Case of a Sprained Inpatient with Functional Dyspepsia in a Korean Medical Hospital Treated with Korean Medicine Treatments

Objectives: This study reports on the efficacy of using Korean medicine treatments for a functional dyspepsia patient.Methods: A 49-year-old female patient with functional dyspepsia was treated with herbal medicines and acupuncture for 33 days. The treatment effect was evaluated by measurements drawn from the Nepean Dyspepsia Index-Korean version score and Bristol Stool Scale results.Results: Following treatment, the patient showed a decrease in the Nepean Dyspepsia Index-Korean version score and an improvement in the Bristol Stool Scale.Conclusions: Korean medicine treatment improved the condition of a patient with functional dyspepsia. Further clinical research on patients with functional dyspepsia is needed.

A Case Report of Dizziness Diagnosed Dam Hun Treated with Korean Medicine in a Patient Hospitalized at a Korean Medicine Hospital

Objective: The purpose of this study is to report the efficacy of using Korean medicine treatment on dizziness diagnosed as Dam Hun.Methods: The patient received herbal medicine treatment of <i>Banhabakchulchunma-tang</i> and acupuncture from May 18, 2023 to June 3, 2023. To evaluate the treatment, we used the Korean Version of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (K-DHI) to measure dizziness. The degree of dizziness, headache, and dyspepsia was also evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).Results: The patient’s VAS scores improved after treatment. The change in the K-DHI scores showed that the patient’s dizziness symptoms were relieved.Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that Korean medicine therapies may be effective for treating dizziness.

A Case Report on Peripheral Facial Nerve Palsy and Sleep Disorders After Microvascular Decompression

Objectives: This study reports on the efficacy of Korean medicine treatments for peripheral facial nerve palsy and sleep disorders that occur after microvascular decompression.Methods: A 57-year-old female patient with right facial palsy was treated with herbal medicines and acupuncture for 36 days. The treatment effect was evaluated using the House Brackmann Grading System (HBGS), Yanagihara’s Unweighed Grading System (Yanagihara’s score), and the Korean Modified Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (KMLSEQ).Results: Following treatment, the patient showed a decrease in HBGS and an improvement in Yanagihara’s score and KMLSEQ score.Conclusions: Korean medicine treatments appeared to be effective in reducing facial nerve palsy. Further clinical research on patients with facial nerve palsy is needed.

A Case Report of Korean Medicine Treatment for a Patient with Left Facial Paraesthesia, Temporomandibular Joint Pain, and Post-traumatic Neck Pain induced by Cerebral Infarction

Objectives: The aim of this case report is to present the effects of Korean medicine treatment in a patient with left facial paraesthesia, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, and post-traumatic neck pain induced by cerebral infarction.Methods: A 26-year-old male patient was treated with Cheongpa-Jeon H, acupuncture, pharmacopuncture (Shinbaro2), and Chuna Therapy for 24 days of hospitalization. Left facial paraesthesia, TMJ pain, and post-traumatic neck pain were assessed with a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and EuroQoL-5 Dimension (EQ-5D). Post-traumatic neck pain was assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI).Results: After 24 days of treatment, the patient’s left facial paraesthesia and left arm tingling sensation were relieved from NRS 6 to NRS 2. Left TMJ pain was reduced from NRS 5 to NRS 2. The EQ-5D score increased from 0.138 to 0.73. The NDI score decreased from 71.11 to 37.78.Conclusion: These results show that left facial paraesthesia, TMJ pain, and post-traumatic neck pain can be relieved with Korean medicine treatment. However, further well-designed studies are required to confirm these findings.

A Case Report of Korean Medicine Treatment for a Patient with Cervical Dystonia

The purpose of this study is to report a case of cervical dystonia and the effects of a series of traditional Korean medicine treatments applied to the patient. The patient was treated with conventional treatment and traditional Korean medicine consisting of acupuncture, moxa, chuna therapy, and herbal medicine (<i>Hoesu-san-gami</i>) for 48 days. Progress was measured by Tsui’s score, the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale, and the Neck Disability Index. We observed some improvements in the patient’s symptoms: Tsui’s score of 15 to 11, TWSTRS of 63.3 to 47.8, and NDI of 24 to 17. These findings indicate that the application of traditional Korean medicine to cervical dystonia can yield decent clinical outcomes.

A Case Report of Abdominal Pain with Acute Kidney Injury and Elevated Pancreatic Enzymes

Objectives: The aim of this study is to report the effectiveness and safety of herbal medicine treatment for abdominal pain with acute kidney injury.Methods: A 80-year-old female patient presented with abdominal pain. Blood test results showed increased blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, amylase, and lipase. The patient was treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine, specifically <i>Hyangsayukgunja-tang-gahwangryeon</i> for 4 days and <i>Gagam-gunbi-tang</i> for 11 days. Gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale, Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, and abdominal examination.Results: Gastrointestinal symptoms improved after taking Korean herbal medicine. Additionally, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, amylase, and lipase levels showed improvement compared to values before treatment.Conclusions: Korean medicine treatment can improve clinical symptoms without damaging the kidneys of patients with acute kidney injuries.

A Case Report of Wernicke Aphasia by Korean Medicine Treatment, Including Scalp Acupuncture

The purpose of this case study is to report the effectiveness of scalp acupuncture and <i>Cheungsindodam-tang</i> on Wernicke’s aphasia in patients with left middle cerebral territory infarction. Scalp acupuncture, herbal medicine (<i>Cheungsindodam-tang</i>), and moxibustion were administered for 66 days to improve the patient’s symptoms. The degree of improvement in symptoms was evaluated using the Korean version of the Western Aphasia Battery (K-WAB) and Mini-Mental State Examination-Korea (MMSE-K). Quality of life was evaluated with the Korean version of the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39 (K-SAQOL-39). After 66 days of treatment, the aphasia quotient score of the K-WAB test increased from 19 to 34.6 after treatment. The K-SAQOL-3 score increased from 2.77 to 3.18, and the MMSE-K score increased from 4 to 21. This case report suggests that Korean medical therapy can be effective in improving the language functions of patients with Wernicke’s aphasia.

A Case of Postherpetic Neuralgia Treated with Korean Medicine, including Soeumin <italic>Bojungikgitang-gagambang</italic>

Objectives: This study reports on the effect of Korean medicine treatment, including Soeumin <i>Bojungikgitang-gagambang</i>, on a patient with postherpetic neuralgia.Methods: The patient received Korean herbal medicine, pharmacopuncture treatment, and acupuncture treatment for 22 days. We assessed changes in symptoms due to the treatment using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the McGill Pain Questionnaire-Short Form (SF-MPQ), and the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) scale. We also measured the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) to distinguish neuropathic pain.Results: After treatment, the patient showed decreased NRS, SF-MPQ, and EQ-5D scores.Conclusion: The results indicate that Korean medicine treatment, including Soeumin <i>Bojungikgitang-gagambang</i>, is an effective management of symptoms in patients with postherpetic neuralgia.

A Case of Generalized Edema in a Patient after COVID-19 Vaccination Improved by a Combined Korean-Western Medicine Approach

Background: According to Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System data, generalized edema followed by the COVID-19 vaccine is uncommon, with only 333 reported cases, and of those, 224 (69%) are associated with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.Case report: A 76-year-old male patient with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction presented with spontaneous generalized edema and otherwise normal cardiac exams following administration of BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) COVID-19 vaccination that had lasted for approximately 60 days and was treated successfully using Korean medicine treatment. After the administration of Korean medicine treatment, the patient’s symptoms in the bilateral limbs were dramatically controlled, without recurrence, for 2 months. As a result, generalized edema, which had been present for approximately 50 days, dramatically improved.Conclusion: This clinical case study suggests that a Korean medicine approach with <i>Mokbangki-tang</i> and <i>Oryeong-san</i> might be effective for the pleural effusion resolution of generalized edema after COVID-19 vaccination.

A Report of Two Cases of the Use of Korean Medicine Treatment of Patients with Post-COVID-19 Conditions

The purpose of this study is to report clinical improvement in patients who have received Korean medicine treatment for post-COVID-19 conditions. After COVID-19 infection, two people complaining of symptoms, such as fatigue and indigestion, were treated with Korean medicine, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine. The C19-YRS questionnaire and heart rate variability (HRV) were used to assess the treatment outcomes. After treatment, the patients reported improvements in their symptoms on the YRS questionnaire, with some improvement in the HRV test results. According to the results of this study, Korean medicine can be used to treat post-COVID-19 conditions in clinical practice.

A Case Report of Korean Medicine Treatment on Clinical Symptoms in a Patient with Post-stroke Deep Vein Thrombosis

This case report shows the effect of Korean medicine treatment in a patient with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after cerebral infarction who is suspected of having post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) due to the loss of thrombus after receiving new oral anticoagulant (NOAC) treatment. The patient was treated with Korean medicine (<i>Boyanghwano-tang</i> and <i>Hyulbuchuko-tang</i>) three times a day. Acupuncture, moxibustion, infrared, and extra-physical therapy were given to the patient for 24 days. Clinical assessment - grading of edema and circumference of the left lower extremity were observed twice a week until the end of the treatment. NOAC treatment was continued for 24 days. After treatment, the patient’s edema grade and circumference of the extremity improved. On the 24th day, the patient’s chief complaints improved, and she requested termination of treatment. The results suggest that Korean medicine treatments, including <i>Boyanghwano-tang</i>, <i>Hyulbuchuko-tang</i>, and acupuncture therapy, can be effective in improving the clinical symptoms of DVT and PTS.

A Case Study of Parkinson’s Disease Patient with Anxiety and Insomnia Treated with Korean-medicine Treatment, including <italic>Gyejigayonggolmolye-tang</italic>

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to report the case of a patient with Parkinson’s disease experiencing anxiety and insomnia treated with Korean medicine therapies.Methods: A patient diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease with anxiety and insomnia was treated with Korean medicine therapies, including herbal medication (<i>Gyejigayonggolmolye-tang</i>), acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and moxibustion, for 18 days. To evaluate the therapeutic effect, we checked the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores to monitor anxiety and insomnia.Results: After treatment, the patient’s BAI and ISI scores for anxiety and insomnia decreased. Further, the patient and her protector mentioned that their quality of life had improved.Conclusion: These results suggest that Korean medicine therapies with Gyejigayonggolmolye-tang have a beneficial effect on anxiety and insomnia in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

A Case Report of Patient Suffering from Cough and Dyspnea after Lung Transplantation Treated with Complex Korean Medicine

We report the case of a lung transplantation patient whose cough and dyspnea symptoms improved after receiving complex Korean medicine treatment. Lung transplantation provides a solution to many end-stage patients with lung disease who are refractory to conventional treatment, but the five-year survival rate of lung transplantation remains around 50%, and even surviving patients suffer from side effects, including infection, respiratory difficulty, and gastrointestinal problems. A 66-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis-interstitial lung disease was advised to undergo lung transplantation surgery when she suffered from dyspnea and failing respiratory symptoms after being diagnosed with COVID-19 and contracting pneumonia. Approximately five months after receiving a bilateral lung transplantation operation, she experienced acute pulmonary thromboembolism, and even after receiving anticoagulation therapy, she still struggled with cough and respiratory difficulty. After she received complex Korean medicine treatments, including herbal medicine, cupping therapy, and electrical moxibustion, we observed a decrease in inflammation, alleviation of symptoms such as cough and dyspnea, and improvement of pulmonary function and exercise capacity.

A Case Report on a Patient Treated with Combined Korean Medicine for Functional Dyspepsia after Cholecystectomy

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to report the case of a patient with functional dyspepsia after cholecystectomy whose discomfort after eating and upper abdominal pain improved with a combined Korean medicine treatment.Methods: A combination of treatments, including acupuncture, cupping, Chuna, and herbal medicine, was provided for 48 days to a patient with functional dyspepsia. Her progress was assessed with NRS, EQ5D, and GIS every 2 weeks, including before and after treatment.Results: The patient made significant improvements in NRS, EQ-5D, and GIS after treatment. No adverse events were observed in the patient.Conclusions: The findings indicate that combined Korean medicine treatment can be a safe and effective alternative to treating functional dyspepsia after cholecystectomy.

A Case Report on Right Hemiparesis after Left Thalamus Infarction Treated with <italic>Boyanghwanoh-tang-gagam</italic> and Complex Korean Medicine Treatment

Objectives: This study reports the case of a patient with right hemiparesis after a left thalamic infarction, in which the patient experienced improved clinical symptoms (hemiparesis, constipation) after treatment with a complex Korean medicine treatment.Methods: A 81-year-old male patient diagnosed with acute left thalamic infarction was treated with daily acupuncture and herbal medicine (<i>Boyanghwanoh-tang-gagam</i>) three times a day. <i>Jowiseunggi-tang</i> extract granules were administered to treat constipation by adjusting the dosage according to the reported symptoms. The patient’s clinical course was assessed using changes in Modified Barthel Index (MBI) score, Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) grade, and defecation frequency .Results: The patient’s MBI score improved from 35 to 69 and was discharged with the ability to walk under supervision. The MMT grade also improved from 3/4 to 5/5 in the upper/lower extremities. Other clinical symptoms, including constipation, also improved, leading to the discontinuation of magnesium medication.Conclusion: These findings suggest that complex Korean medicine treatments, including herbal medicine and acupuncture, may be an effective treatment for post-stroke hemiplegic patients.

A Case Report of a Patient with Vascular Dementia Caused by Intracerebral Hemorrhage Treated with Modified <italic>Guibi-tang</italic>

Objectives: The aim of this study is to describe the effects of traditional Korean medicine treatment on a patient with vascular dementia caused by an intracerebral hemorrhage.Methods: The patient was treated with herbal medicine (<i>modified Guibi-tang</i>) and acupuncture. The effects of these treatments were evaluated using the Korean Mini Mental Status Examination (K-MMSE-2), Cognitive Dementia Rating (CDR), Manual Muscle Test (MMT), Korean version of Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), and Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS).Results: After treatment, the K-MMSE-2 score, CDR score, MMT, K-MBI, and VFSS improved.Conclusion: The results suggest that traditional Korean medicine may be effective for the symptoms of vascular dementia caused by intracerebral hemorrhage.

Long-term follow-up of inpatients with traumatic fractures who received integrative Korean Medicine treatment: A retrospective analysis and questionnaire survey study.

Previous studies have reported pain reduction after Korean medicine (KM) treatment in patients with fractures. However, these studies were limited by small sample sizes and short observation periods. To address these limitations, we aimed to analyze the outcomes of patients with traumatic fractures who received integrative KM treatment and investigate their long-term progress through follow-up observations. This study was a retrospective analysis and questionnaire survey conducted at a multi-center inpatient care setting in Korea. A total of 1150 patients who had traumatic fractures and received at least 5-day inpatient care at one of 5 KM hospitals. Finally, 339 patients completed the follow-up survey. The questionnaire survey was administered 3 months post discharge. The primary outcome was the difference in numeric rating scale (NRS) scores at admission and discharge for fracture-related pain. The secondary outcomes were EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) score, Oswestry Disability Index, Neck Disability Index, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) score. The follow-up questionnaire survey included questions on surgery and imaging before admission and after discharge and treatment within the past 3 months. The mean NRS score at follow-up showed a significant decrease of 4.41 points compared with that at admission (P < .001). The mean EQ-5D-5L score at follow-up showed a significant increase of 0.18 points compared with that at admission (P < .05). In the follow-up survey on PGIC, 307 participants (90.56%) were "minimally improved" or better. Integrative KM treatment can help improve pain, functional impairment, and long-term quality of life in patients with traumatic fractures.

A Case Study of Buerger’s Disease of Soeumin with Lower Extremity Coldness

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of Korean medicine treatments on Buerger’s disease.Methods: From December 27, 2022, to January 16, 2023, we treated Soeumin patients with Buerger’s disease admitted to a hospital specializing in Korean medicine. The patient’s symptoms included feelings of coldness in the lower extremities, feelings of dullness, and stabbing pain. For treatment, Korean medicine treatments, such as acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medications (&lt;i&gt;Sogyeonghwalhyeol-tang&lt;/i&gt; granules and &lt;i&gt;Gwangyebujaijung-tang-gami&lt;/i&gt;) were administered. The patient’s improvement was evaluated using the numerical rating scale (NRS) every day. Lower extremity and foot temperatures were evaluated using digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI).Results: Through the treatment regimen, the patient’s NRS scores decreased, and lower extremity and foot temperatures increased.Conclusions: Korean medicine treatments for cold lower extremities, feelings of dullness, and stabbing pain caused by Buerger’s disease are potentially effective.

A Case Report of Intercranial Hemorrhage with Hemiplegia Improved by &lt;i&gt;Jayumkeonbi-tang&lt;/i&gt; with Deer Antler and Other Korean Medicine Treatments

Objective: This study reports on the effectiveness of Korean medicine treatment in a patient with intracerebral hemorrhages with symptoms of hemiplegia, personality change, and aphasia.Case presentation: The patient was treated using Korean medicine, including &lt;i&gt;Jayumkeonbi-tang&lt;/i&gt; with deer antler as herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, and a limb activation exercise. To evaluate the effect on clinical symptoms, a manual muscle test, the Modified Functional Ambulation Classification, and the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index were used. After 84 days of treatment, the MMT grade of the right upper and lower limbs improved from Gr. 2+/2- to Gr. 4/3~4 on average, and personality change and aphasia were gone.Conclusion: A complex treatment that includes &lt;i&gt;Jaeumkunbi-tang&lt;/i&gt;, acupuncture, moxibustion, and limb activation exercises can be effective following an intracerebral hemorrhage resulting in hemiplegia and personality change. However, more research is needed.

A Case Report of Korean Medicine Treatment Including &lt;i&gt;Samchulgunbi-tang-gagambang&lt;/i&gt; in a Patient with Vestibular Neuritis

Background: Vestibular neuritis is a common cause of acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy. Vestibular neuritis is the second most common disease among patients with dizziness. Clinical symptoms of vestibular neuritis include the sudden onset of vertigo with spontaneous nystagmus, unsteady gait, nausea, and vomiting that last from days to weeks. However, even after the vertigo disappears, difficulty maintaining balance while walking may persist for weeks to months. Antihistamines, serotonin receptor blockers, and benzodiazepine vestibular suppressants are widely used as symptomatic treatments to reduce the severity of symptoms that occur in the acute phase.Case Summary: A patient diagnosed with acute vestibular neuritis was treated with acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine. We used the visual analog scale (VAS) to assess each symptom and the vertigo score to observe the effect of treatment. After treatment, the VAS scores for each symptom and the vertigo score decreased, and the severity of nystagmus was reduced.Conclusion: This study suggests that Korean medicine treatments, including &lt;i&gt;Samchulgunbi-tang-gagam&lt;/i&gt;, could be effective in improving the clinical symptoms of vestibular neuritis.