title: Convulsive syncope associated with acupuncture.
abstract: Syncope is a rare but known reaction to acupuncture; however, convulsive syncope has never been previously documented as a reaction to acupuncture. This case report describes an episode of convulsive syncope, characterized by irregular clonic-tonic movements while the patient was unconscious. The episode occurred immediately after the insertion of acupuncture needles into the bilateral ST-36 acupuncture point. Here we discuss the presentation, possible causes, and prevention of convulsive syncope.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Clinical Studies, National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1610, USA. mcole@mail.nih.gov
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cole
authors.forename: Joannie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hommer
mesh_terms: D026881:Acupuncture; D000328:Adult; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D012640:Seizures / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013575:Syncope / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*