Post Concussion Syndrome, PTSD, and Anxiety Treatment with Scalp Acupuncture
Overview
A patient first sought treatment three years ago for post concussion syndrome, PTSD, anxiety, and memory loss following two head injuries and severe emotional trauma. Her symptoms included persistent fear, difficulty remembering everyday items such as keys or appointments, and overall cognitive dysfunction. Over time, she received scalp acupuncture and cranial electrostimulation, targeting affected brain regions to alleviate anxiety and improve cognitive function. After three months of treatment, her PTSD symptoms significantly decreased, and her psychiatrist confirmed that she no longer met the PTSD diagnostic criteria.
While her condition remained stable with occasional maintenance treatments, a recent traumatic incident—a dog attack—reactivated her symptoms. This case study examines her initial recovery, subsequent relapse, and the effectiveness of acupuncture in restoring her well-being.
Key challenges
- Severe anxiety and PTSD symptoms caused by head trauma and emotional distress.
- Impaired cognitive function, including memory loss and confusion.
- Persistent fear and inability to manage daily life tasks.
- Relapse of symptoms following a new traumatic event.
The primary challenge was not only alleviating the patient’s original symptoms but also ensuring long-term stability. Additionally, her relapse required a rapid and effective intervention to prevent further psychological distress.
Treatment
The initial treatment protocol included scalp acupuncture and cranial electrostimulation therapy targeting the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes—areas associated with cognitive function, emotional regulation, and memory processing. Sessions were conducted regularly over three months.
Each treatment session resulted in noticeable improvements. The patient reported increased calmness, and by the end of the treatment period, she no longer met the PTSD criteria based on a psychiatrist-administered checklist.
Following her initial recovery, she continued occasional maintenance treatments to reinforce stability. However, after experiencing a dog attack, she presented with a resurgence of PTSD symptoms, including anxiety, brain fog, memory issues, and confusion.
The follow-up treatment plan involved:
- Scalp acupuncture targeting the frontal and parietal lobes to address cognitive and emotional symptoms.
- Auricular acupuncture stimulating the vagus nerve to regulate emotional responses.
- Cranial electrostimulation with mild electric currents to support neural function.
After the first post-trauma session, she reported feeling slightly calmer. Within two days, she experienced further improvements, demonstrating the efficacy of the treatment in mitigating PTSD recurrence.
Outcomes
- Complete resolution of PTSD symptoms after initial three-month treatment.
- Enhanced cognitive function, improved memory retention, and reduced anxiety.
- Successful long-term maintenance of mental stability with occasional treatments.
- Rapid recovery after PTSD relapse, with significant symptom relief within two days of intervention.
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