Journal of Medical - Clinical Research & Reviews
Open AccessLong-Term Follow-Up of Jiao’s Scalp Acupuncture in Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Report on Sustained Motor Recovery and Spasticity Management
Authors: Wen-Chi Shih, Yaemi Matias, Kwan Yuet Cheung, Yueshuang Zhou, Liqi Shen, Lina Li, Chi-Ao Yang, Yuwen Fen, Victoria Szafranska, Bin Xu, Yemeng Chen.
Abstract
Objective: To report the long-term follow-up outcomes of Jiao’s scalp acupuncture in a patient with cervical spinal cord injury, with emphasis on spasticity control and sustained functional recovery following an initial phase of improvement.
Methods: This case represents a continuation of a previously reported patient with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury who underwent integrative acupuncture therapy. In the present follow-up phase, the treatment strategy was refined to emphasize scalp acupuncture targeting the Motor Area and Tremor Control Area, combined with auricular and body acupuncture. Treatments were administered once weekly over a six-month period.
Results: During this follow-up phase, progressive neurological and functional improvements were observed. Involuntary limb spasms decreased after 2–3 sessions. By sessions 6–8, the patient regained ambulation without assistive devices, and by session 12, independent walking under supervision was achieved. Within two months, improvements in muscle tone, joint range of motion, and functional mobility were noted. Muscle strength improved from 1/5 to 4/5 on the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale.
Conclusion: This follow-up report suggests that Jiao’s scalp acupuncture may contribute not only to initial neurological recovery but also to long-term maintenance and modulation of motor function in patients with chronic cervical spinal cord injury. Further studies are warranted to investigate its role in sustained neurorehabilitation.
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