A Case Report of Complex Korean Medicine Treatments of Decreased Mental Status in a Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Patient with a Cerebrovascular Accident

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated the effect of complex Korean medicine treatment on decreased mental status in a progressive supranuclear palsy patient with a cerebrovascular accident.Case presentation: The patient was treated with Korean medicine composed of herbal medicine (<i>modified Guibi-tang</i>), acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping combined with Western medicine (a dopamine precursor and an anticholinergic) and physical therapy. The Glasgow Coma Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, and Hoehn and Yahr Scale were used to evaluate the effects of the treatments. After treatment, Glasgow Coma Scores increased from 9-10 to 12-13, and Mini-Mental State Examination for dementia screen scores increased from 1 to 2. The Hoehn and Yahr score remained at 5. There were no side effects of the treatment.Conclusion: This study suggests that complex Korean medicine treatments may be effective for the decreased mental status of a progressive supranuclear palsy patient with a cerebrovascular accident, but further studies are needed.