Post Concussion Symptoms and Neuropathic Pain Case Overview
Overview
A 52-year-old male presented with long-standing head and neck discomfort following multiple motor vehicle accidents. He reported chronic neuropathic-type pain localized to the neck and occipital region, radiating to the left side of the head, temple, and eye. Pain intensity was consistently rated as 10/10 and significantly interfered with sleep and daily functioning.
The individual also described symptoms commonly associated with post-concussion experiences, including anxiety, confusion, sensory sensitivity, poor concentration, and difficulty tolerating enclosed spaces. Ongoing sleep disruption and emotional strain contributed to depressive feelings and cognitive fatigue.
The patient had previously explored several forms of care, including physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, and prescribed medications. Despite these efforts, his symptoms persisted, prompting him to seek additional supportive options.
This case explores the patient’s reported response to scalp acupuncture used as part of supportive care for persistent post-concussion symptom patterns and neuropathic discomfort.
Key challenges
- Persistent neuropathic-type head and neck pain unresponsive to prior therapies.
- Sleep disturbances contributing to fatigue and emotional distress.
- Heightened anxiety, claustrophobic reactions, and low mood.
- Cognitive changes such as impaired focus and intermittent visual disturbances.
- The need for a non-pharmacological, supportive approach after years of limited benefit from conventional care.
Treatment
Scalp acupuncture was selected as the primary modality, with point selections corresponding to cortical projection zones associated with the neck, occipital, and temporal regions. The therapeutic intent was to support neurofunctional pathways, modulate pain perception, and promote calmer sensory processing.
Research exploring scalp stimulation suggests it may influence cerebral blood-flow dynamics and neural activity. Studies using imaging tools such as fMRI and EEG report changes in neurofunctional patterns following stimulation of specific scalp regions. These findings informed the rationale for using scalp acupuncture as supportive care in this case.
- After the first session, the patient reported a slight decrease in pain intensity.
- Neck discomfort and occasional arm numbness persisted but remained mild.
- Emotional stability improved, with reduced anxiety and claustrophobic reactions.
- Mental clarity increased, and visual disturbances appeared less frequent.
- Pain intensity gradually decreased from 10/10 to an intermittent 2/10.
- By the third session, he experienced the first notable reduction in symptoms in several years and was able to sleep for longer, uninterrupted periods.
- Visual disturbances, including dark spots in the field of vision, diminished.
- The patient reported stable sleep patterns and an overall positive outlook.
- A total of 20 sessions were provided.
Outcomes
- Substantial reduction in neuropathic-type pain over the course of care.
- Improved sleep quality after years of disruption.
- Enhanced cognitive clarity and fewer sensory disturbances.
- Greater emotional stability, reduced anxiety, and improved mood.
Conclusion
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Post-Concussion Symptoms and Neuropathic Pain — Case Overview
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