Neuropathic Pain Associated with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy Treated with Acupuncture

Abstract

Abstract

Background:

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is often associated with neuropathic pain. This article presents a case of the successful treatment of neuropathic pain associated with CIDP in a 67-year-old man.

Case:

After several conventional medications had failed to resolve this patient's pain, he was referred for acupuncture treatment. He had severe, constant, burning pain located bilaterally in his feet and extending halfway up his legs. This pain interfered with prolonged walking and sometimes with sleep. In addition, he had several comorbid conditions. He was treated with acupuncture (including scalp, auricular, body, and electroacupuncture), once per week, for four sessions, and then on an as-needed basis. The main outcome measure sought was a subjective decrease in the patient's neuropathic pain.

Results:

Acupuncture resulted in significant and lasting reduction of this patient's neuropathic pain.

Conclusions:

This case suggests that acupuncture can be useful for treating neuropathic pain associated with CIDP. Further studies are indicated and should be carried out.