Positive Health Online

Abstract

MILLEA, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA, pmillea@mail.mcw.edu, has written a case study on the treatment of 'Saturday Night Palsy' with acupuncture.

Background

Case reports indicate that acupuncture is effective for motor nerve injuries. The aim of this study was to show that acupuncture is helpful in the recovery of compression neuropathy of the radial nerve, or 'Saturday Night Palsy'.

Methodology

A 41-year-old woman with a 1-week history of inability to write or extend the right wrist received one acupuncture treatment using the Lung and Large Intestine meridians in the forearm, with the 2 meridians interconnected using the Luo and Yuan points. A cockup wrist splint was then applied.

Results

Wrist motion returned immediately after treatment. As the day progressed, the patient reported increasing strength in wrist and finger extension. The next day, the patient cancelled the second acupuncture treatment, as her hand had recovered. Examination 4 months later revealed normal wrist and finger extension, sensation, and return of the brachioradialis reflex. The patient was symptom-free one year post injury.

Conclusion

Acupuncture is potentially helpful in the treatment of motor nerve injuries.

References

Millea PJ. Acupuncture treatment of compression neuropathy of the radial nerve: a single case report of "Saturday Night Palsy". Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine 11 (1): 167-169, Feb 2005.