A Case Report of a Drug-resistant Epilepsy Patient Complaining Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures Treated with Korean Medical Treatment

Abstract

Objective: In this case report, we address the case of a 22-year-old man complaining of generalized tonic-clonic seizures due to drug-resistant epilepsy.Methods: A patient was treated with Korean medicine, including herbal medication, <i>Shihogyeji-tang</i> (SGT), and acupuncture. We evaluated improvements in symptoms using the Korean version of the Epilepsy Self-Efficacy Scale and quality of life.Results: After 37 days of Korean medicine treatment, there were improvements in the patient’s quality of life and self-efficacy in seizure control.Conclusions: This case report suggests that SGT and acupuncture might be effective in drug-resistant epilepsy via action on neurons. SGT showed excellent tolerability for drug-resistant epilepsy patients. Our experience provides evidence that SGT and acupunctue may be used as alternative treatment options when antiepileptic drugs do not work in epilepsy patients.