Neuro Acupuncture for Chronic Neuropathic Pain in a Stroke Survivor
Overview
A 74-year-old woman, who experienced a stroke 25 years earlier, sought care at our clinic for chronic neuropathic pain affecting her left leg. Following brain surgery in 1994, she continued to live with partial paralysis and relied on a brace and cane for mobility. Nearly a year before beginning treatment, she developed sharp, burning, and unpredictable pain episodes radiating from her lower spine into her leg. These episodes occurred without any clear trigger, whether at rest or during movement and frequently disrupted her sleep.
Despite various attempts with conventional medication, she reported little improvement, prompting her to explore additional options for symptom management.
Key challenges
- Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Persistent stabbing and burning sensations that appeared suddenly and unpredictably.
- Sleep Disruption
Pain episodes caused repeated nighttime awakenings.
- Limited Mobility
Paralysis-related stiffness in the affected muscles reduced movement efficiency.
- Limited Response to Medication
Previous pharmaceutical approaches provided minimal relief.
Treatment
A Neuro Acupuncture focused care plan was introduced, using scalp and body acupuncture techniques traditionally applied for neurological and neuropathic symptom patterns. The goals of care included:
- Supporting more regulated nerve signaling.
- Encouraging circulation in the affected areas.
- Reducing muscle stiffness.
- Supporting rest and sleep quality.
Needles were placed in scalp regions traditionally associated with sensory and motor modulation, along with supportive points on the body. Session frequency and technique were adjusted gradually based on her comfort and response. Over the first 10 sessions, she reported the following observations:
- Pain episodes occurred less frequently.
- Pain intensity decreased.
- Nighttime disturbances reduced, allowing longer periods of uninterrupted sleep.
- Muscle stiffness in the leg and arm eased, helping facilitate smoother movement.
By the 12th session, she described complete relief of neuropathic pain. A follow-up conducted one year later indicated that her improvements had remained stable to that point.
Outcomes
The individual described the following changes during and after care:
- Reduced or resolved neuropathic pain sensations
- Improved sleep quality
- Enhanced mobility and ease of movement
- Sustained improvement
All observations reflect the experience of one individual and may vary from person to person. Neuroacupuncture is used within the scope of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
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