Title |
A rare case of multiple spinal epidural abscesses and cauda equina syndrome presenting to the emergency department following acupuncture
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Published in |
International Journal of Emergency Medicine, July 2016
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DOI | 10.1186/s12245-016-0116-5 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Jing Jing Chan, Jen Jen Oh |
Abstract |
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine being increasingly used as complementary therapy in many countries. It is relatively safe and rarely associated with deep infections. In this case report, we describe a middle-aged Chinese patient who presented acutely to our emergency department with cauda equina syndrome secondary to acupuncture-related epidural abscesses, which were treated with surgical decompression and intravenous antibiotics. We also present a review of case reports of this rare condition in available literature. Emergency physicians should be aware that spinal abscesses may occur after acupuncture, with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations. If a history of recent acupuncture over the symptomatic area is elicited, a high index of suspicion should be maintained and appropriate imaging performed to establish the diagnosis. Treatment is directed by a number of factors, such as severity and duration of neurological deficit and progression of symptoms. |
X Demographics
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Canada | 1 | 17% |
Unknown | 3 | 50% |
Demographic breakdown
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Scientists | 1 | 17% |
Science communicators (journalists, bloggers, editors) | 1 | 17% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
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Unknown | 26 | 100% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
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Student > Bachelor | 5 | 19% |
Student > Postgraduate | 3 | 12% |
Lecturer > Senior Lecturer | 2 | 8% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 2 | 8% |
Student > Ph. D. Student | 2 | 8% |
Other | 6 | 23% |
Unknown | 6 | 23% |
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Neuroscience | 2 | 8% |
Social Sciences | 1 | 4% |
Agricultural and Biological Sciences | 1 | 4% |
Other | 0 | 0% |
Unknown | 8 | 31% |