초음파 유도하 약침을 포함한 한의복합치료를 시행한 후두신경통, 안면감각이상 증례 1례

A Case Report of Occipital Neuralgia and Facial Paresthesia Managed with Integrative Korean Medicine Incorporating Ultrasound-Guided Pharmacopuncture

This case report aims to describe the clinical improvement of occipital neuralgia accompanied by facial paresthesia in a patient treated with integrative Korean medicine, including ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture. A 60-year-old male patient developed occipital neuralgia and left facial paresthesia following a rear-end motor vehicle collision. Despite prior medication, symptoms persisted. The patient received integrative Korean medicine treatment composed of acupuncture, electroacupuncture, cupping therapy, herbal medicine, suboccipital myofascial release, lateral pterygoid manipulation, and ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture targeting the greater occipital nerve region. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and changes in the patient’s ongoing medication use. Following treatment, the patient showed substantial reduction in occipital pain, with NRS improving from 10 at baseline to 3 after two sessions and stabilizing near 1.5 thereafter. Left facial paresthesia also improved. The patient discontinued previously prescribed medications without symptom aggravation, and the improvements were maintained over one month. This case report suggests that integrative Korean medicine, including ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture may be beneficial in relieving pain and sensory symptoms in patients with occipital neuralgia accompanied by facial paresthesia. Further clinical research is needed to evaluate the broader applicability of these findings.