Clinical Pain 2019;18(2):130-132

doi:10.35827/cp.2019.18.2.130

Late-Onset Spinal Subdural Hematoma after Acupuncture

Hyo Sik PARK 1 ; Jong Keun KIM ; Jin Seok BAE ; Yong Sung JEONG ; Jong Youb LIM

Affiliations

+expand

Keywords

Spinal subdural hematoma; Acupuncture

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

Acupuncture is generally regarded as a safe procedure and as a popular treatment for patients with musculoskeletal disorders. We report a case of a 47-year-old male patient with late-onset tetraplegia, developed after acupuncture. He had no trauma, medical, and social history relevant to tetraplegia. Right after the acupuncture, he felt discomfort in his right arm. After 6 days, all 4 extremity weakness developed. Whole-spine magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of spinal subdural hematoma extending from the C5 vertebra to the coccyx level. Hand coordination dysfunction, neurogenic bladder, and neuropathic pain were other symptoms. After the management, he recovered muscle strength, but incomplete bladder control and neuralgia were sustained. It is important to be aware of the possibilities of severe complications after acupuncture.