Rachana KC^1,2,3, Jin Xiaoxian^1,2, Wang Yuting ^1,2,3, Du Yuzheng ^1,2, Zhang Lil^1,2

¹First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.

²National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China.

³Tianjin University of TUTCM, Tianjin, China.

Corresponding Author: Rachana KC, Acupuncture Department, The First Hospital affiliated to Tianjin University of Traditional, Chinese Medicine, 314 West Anshan Avenue, Tianjin, PR China.

Citation: Rachana KC, Jin Xiaoxian, Wang Yuting, Du Yuzheng, Zhang Lil1 (2025). Acupuncture as an Integrative Therapy for Wallenberg Syndrome: A Case Report on Neurological Recovery. American J Case Rep Clin Imag. 2025; September, 2(2),1-5.

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Abstract

Wallenberg syndrome (WS), or Dorsolateral Medullary Syndrome, is a rare neurological condition caused by infarction in the lateral medulla due to vertebral artery (VA) or posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) occlusion. It presents with characteristic symptoms such as contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation in the body, ipsilateral facial sensory loss, dysphagia, dysarthria, vertigo, ataxia, and Horner's syndrome. While conventional treatments focus on rehabilitation and symptomatic management, acupuncture has emerged as a potential complementary therapy. A 61-year-old male presented with dizziness, slurred speech, left ptosis, and contralateral sensory deficits. MRI revealed an infarction in the left medulla oblongata, confirming WS. Acupuncture was administered for 14 days, targeting acupoints Fengchi (GB20), Zusanli (ST36), and Lianquan (CV23). Notable improvements were observed, particularly in dysphagia and mobility. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers WS a stroke-related meridian disorder due to qi and blood stagnation. Acupuncture enhances qi circulation, promotes neurogenesis, and improves cerebral perfusion. Specific acupoints like GB20 and ST36 support posterior circulation, while CV23 directly benefits swallowing function by stimulating glossopharyngeal and sublingual nerves.

Keywords: Wallenberg Syndrome, Ipsilateral Horner's Syndrome, Dorsolateral Medullary Syndrome, Acupoints, Acupuncture Treatment.