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.