[Acupuncture for nonketotic hyperglycemic hemichorea: a case report]

This report presents a clinical case of nonketotic hyperglycemic hemichorea treated with governor vessel thirteen needles, scalp acupuncture, back-shu and front-mu acupoint combinations, and moxibustion on the basis of standard medical care. The patient presented with involuntary choreiform movements of the right upper limb. According to TCM pattern differentiation, the condition was diagnosed as kidney deficiency leading to marrow depletion and yang deficiency failing to nourish the orifices. The treatment principle focused on tonifying the kidney, replenishing marrow, warming yang, and unblocking the orifices. Governor vessel thirteen needles were applied at Baihui (GV20), Fengfu (GV16), and Dazhui (GV14) to regulate yang qi. Scalp acupuncture was applied along the anterior parietotemporal line to modulate motor function. Back-shu and front-mu points such as Yishu (EX-B3), Pishu (BL20), and Zhongwan (CV12) were used to strengthen the spleen, resolve phlegm, and reinforce the root. Moxibustion was applied to Zhongwan (CV12) and Guanyuan (CV4) to warm the meridians. Treatment was conducted twice per week, with strict blood glucose control simultaneously. After one week, the patient's right upper limb choreiform movements were significantly reduced, speech became clearer, and gait stabilized; the symptoms were basically relieved. After two weeks (four sessions), all symptoms resolved, and no recurrence was observed during follow-up. This case provides effective clinical evidence for the treatment of nonketotic hyperglycemic hemichorea with a combined approach of acupuncture and dietary control.