Huntington's Disease

Chief Complaint: Muscle Tetany

Western diagnosis: Huntington's Disease

Medical History: A 50 year old male collage professor. Two years ago
began noticing he had difficulty thinking clearly. Soon after, his
hands began to become shakey and he gradually degenerated more and more.
Finally, he was unable to walk on his own or change his own clothes.
He could not read anymore and suffered some dimentia. He also had
difficulty eating.

Questioning exam: The patient had a slightly purple complexion with
very tense and slightly atrophied muscles. He had a slight tremor. His
appetite was good, however he was unable to eat much. He was slightly
constipated with soft stools and had frequent urination. He had no
other physical complaints.

Pulse exam: His pulse was deep and week in all positions with a
moderate rate. His left side bladder channel was very tight and
contracted giving him a curving appearance to the left in his back.

Tongue exam: His tongue appeared slightly purple and deviated to the
left. It also quivered slightly and was difficult to stick out.

OM Diagnosis: His pattern was described as qi and blood stagnation,
internal wind, and spleen and kidney deficiency.

Treatment Principle: Promote qi and blood circulation, tonify the
deficiency, and disperse the wind.

Point Prescription: The treatment was two stage and given two times per week.

First, GB20, Bl13, Bl15, Bl18, Bl20, Bl23 warming needle moxa, Bl 52
warming needle moxa, GV4 warming needle moxa, Bl40, and Ki3 with moxa.

Second, Zhu scalp motor zones bilaterally with electricity 100/10 mixed
wave for 35 minutes to patient's tolerance.

Herbal Formula: None given.

Lifestyle prescription: 30 minutes of tuina before acupuncture and one
massage per week.

Results: Results were very good. After 5 weeks of treatment the
patient was able to walk unassisted for about 20 feet and was able to
change his clothes on his own. He also reported an increased ability to read.

Synopsis: The key to his treatment was the scalp acupuncture. He had
gotten TCM style acupuncture alone from another acupuncturist in the
same office for several months with no change in his condition. As soon
as we added the scalp acupuncture treatment to his protocal a change
began to start.