Quick needle insertion at pharyngeal acupoints for poststroke dysphagia

RATIONALE Dysphagia following stroke is a major complaint among patients, and effective treatment of post-stroke dysphagia can be difficult. We present a case report describing a new treatment for dysphagia, namely, quick needle insertion at pharyngeal acupoints. PATIENT CONCERNS A 70-year-old man developed pharyngeal dysphagia after a stroke. Three months after the patient experienced a sudden stroke leading to liquid dysphagia, acupuncture, one of the most important therapies in Traditional Chinese Medicine, was used to treat the patient. DIAGNOSES A diagnosis of cerebral infarction and bulbar paralysis was made. INTERVENTIONS Quick needle insertion was performed at five pharyngeal acupoints, once a day, 6 times a week for 6 weeks. OUTCOMES The patient subsequently showed significant improvement in the pharyngeal phase of swallowing. His performance in the drinking water test reduced to level 1 from level 4. The functional oral intake scale score changed from level 2 to level 7. In the video fluoroscopic swallowing study, no spillage occurred, but aspiration was present. The residue of the contrast agent was reduced. LESSONS Quick needle insertion at pharyngeal acupoints can be an efficient way to treat post-stroke dysphagia.