A Case Report on a Patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treated with Korean Medicine

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to report the improvement of a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis after long-term combined Korean medical treatment.Methods: A patient diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was treated with herbal medicine, acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, moxibustion, and rehabilitation for four separate hospital stays. To evaluate their respiratory discomfort and limb weakness, we used Manual Muscle Testing, the Pulmonary Function Test, and the Korean Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised.Results: The weakness of the muscles of the lower extremities and respiratory function was improved.Conclusion: We consider that combined Korean medicine treatments might be an effective treatment for muscle weakness and respiratory discomfort of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. To verify the effectiveness of these treatments, further research is required.