Neuroacupuncture Treatment for Chronic Meniere’s Disease Relief
Overview
Meniere’s disease is a chronic inner ear disorder caused by fluid accumulation, leading to symptoms such as severe dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and balance issues. A 77-year-old female patient experienced recurrent episodes of Meniere’s disease, significantly affecting her daily activities, including driving and sleeping. The condition caused sudden vertigo attacks, making it difficult for her to lie down without experiencing extreme nausea and disorientation.
Her symptoms worsened during the summer, marking the second recurrence within two years. Conventional treatments had limited success, prompting the exploration of neuroacupuncture as an alternative therapy. The goal was to alleviate vertigo, restore balance, and improve her overall quality of life.
Key challenges
- Persistent and sudden-onset vertigo episodes.
- Severe nausea preventing her from lying down comfortably.
- Difficulty maintaining balance, affecting daily mobility and driving.
- Fatigue and overall weakness due to sleep disturbances.
- Prior relapses, indicating a recurring and chronic nature of the condition.
These factors made symptom management challenging, requiring a targeted approach to restore equilibrium and reduce the frequency of vertigo episodes.
Treatment
The neuroacupuncture treatment focused on stimulating specific points associated with the vestibular system. The primary acupuncture points targeted were located on the temples and the top of the head, areas linked to balance and inner ear function.
During the first session, the patient was unable to remain lying down due to intense vertigo. Needles were inserted, and after brief stimulation, she was allowed to sit up. Over a span of 10 minutes, gradual adjustments were made to help her tolerate a reclined position. This process was repeated throughout the session, enabling her to lie down for an additional 10–15 minutes while additional needles were placed.
Follow-up treatments were scheduled every 2–3 days, with similar techniques applied. After 3–4 sessions, the patient reported significant improvement, including the ability to sleep in bed rather than in a chair.
For long-term management, herbal medicine was also considered. A traditional herbal formula, Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, was recommended, as it is known to effectively reduce dizziness caused by fluid retention in the inner ear. This combination of neuroacupuncture and herbal support has shown promising results in managing persistent cases of Meniere’s disease and positional vertigo.
Outcomes
- Significant reduction in vertigo symptoms after 3–4 treatments.
- Restored ability to sleep in a bed without dizziness.
- Improved balance, leading to greater mobility and independence.
- Reduced frequency of vertigo attacks, with extended symptom-free periods.
- Potential for long-term symptom control using acupuncture and herbal medicine.
Patients with Meniere’s disease and positional vertigo have demonstrated positive responses to neuroacupuncture, typically requiring 4–10 sessions for sustained improvement. In stubborn cases, herbal supplementation enhances treatment effectiveness, further stabilizing inner ear fluid balance and reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
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