Acupuncture-Induced Cranial Epidural Abscess: Case Report and Review of the L...
- BACKGROUND: Acupuncture is a common form of alternative medicine thatis used for pain control among other modalities of treatment. It is a relativelysafe procedure, but complications, including those of infectious etiology, maystill occur.- CASE DESCRIPTION: A 47-year-old immunosuppressed woman presentedwith fever, altered level of consciousness, dysphasia, and a left occipital sub-galeal fluctuant mass after acupuncture for headaches in the same area. Im-aging demonstrated subgaleal and epidural collection localized in the leftoccipital region.
She underwent urgent surgical evacuation of both collections. Cultures fromintraoperative specimens grew Streptococcus anginosus. The patient startedtargeted antibiotic treatment leading to complete recovery.
- CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of intracranial ab-scess after acupuncture. Given the worldwide application of this alternativetreatment, physicians, acupuncturists, and the general public should be aware ofthe possibility of this rare but serious complication.
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