Convulsive syncope: an unusual complication of acupuncture treatment in older patients.
Vasovagal syncope is an uncommon complication during acupuncture. However, convulsive syncope during acupuncture treatment in older individuals is seldom reported in the literature. Two older patients who experienced convulsive syncope during acupuncture treatment at Taipei Veterans Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, from January 2000 to December 2002 are reported. These cases are instructive to acupuncturists. Although acupuncture treatment is generally safe in most situations, one needs to be cautious in delivering acupuncture to older and debilitated individuals.
Kung
Yen-Ying
YY
Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Tapei, Taiwan. YYKUNG@vghtpe.gov.tw
Chen
Fang-Pey
FP
Hwang
Shinn-Jang
SJ
Hsieh
Jen-Chuen
JC
Lin
Yung-Yang
YY
D015670:Acupuncture Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D013575:Syncope / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013624:Taiwan