| Abstract: | BackgroundAn 85-year old patient suffered her third apoplectic stroke in spite of anticoagulant therapy she was administered due to atrial fibrillation. The ischemia occurred in the region of the anterior and medial cerebral arteries. Three weeks later, still in hospital, the patient suffered a subcortical cerebral hemorrhage on the right temporal side. In consequence of this acute event, she showed a flaccid paralysis of the left side of the body, dysarthria, and a severe case of dysphagia. The disability to swallow lead to an aspiration with a consecutive pneumonia, which was treated and cured in hospital within a few days. At time of release, the patient was able to take in pulpy food, but she was unable to swallow. She could walk with the help of two nurses, but her speech defect and a depression remained unchanged.AimIt seemed unlikely to recover from dysphagia with the help of conventional therapy, but the aim was for the patient to be able to swallow pulp food by the spoonful. Mobility and mood should improve, and the ability to speak should be positively influenced.MethodTwice a week the patient received YNSA during a home visit. After half an hour, the patient´s daughter removed the needles. She also took note of any change in the condition of her mother.ResultsAfter three months of treatment, the patient was able to swallow two spoonfuls of semolina porridge. After four months of needling, a noticeable improvement of speech was achieved as in that short sentences became understandable. Six months after discharge from the hospital, patient had regained her ability to swallow. First the patient had to use a feeding cup. Later on, she was able to drink out of a drinking glass. Three months later the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy could be removed. Depression improved, the postural control was according to age.ConclusionIn post stroke rehabilitation, YNSA can improve more than movement disorders. |
