Auricular Acupuncture Analgesia in Thoracic Trauma: A Case Report
Papadopoulos GS, Tzimas P, Liarmakopoulou A, Petrou AM · Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies · 2017 February
DOI 10.1016/j.jams.2016.06.003
Objective
We report a case of thoracic trauma (rib fractures with pneumothorax and pulmonary contusions) with severe chest pain leading to ineffective ventilation and oxygenation. Data in the literature depict significant effectiveness of nonpharmaceutical treatments. Some report short-term pain relief with acupuncture in 50% to 80% of cases, but large, well-designed studies are needed to accurately assess its contribution to pain management
Conclusions
It resulted in immediate and effective analgesia, restoration of normal ventilation, anxiolysis, and restoration of a regular hemodynamic profile in a patient with chest trauma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It also facilitated the patient's transfer through the advanced care unit to the ward, and finally, to discharge.
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