Internal carotid artery injury secondary to acupuncture revealed using MRI
A case of a lumbar spinal cord injury survivor, complained of gradual onset of left-arm weakness after simultaneous moxibustion and acupuncture treatment in which two moxibustion sticks were placed on his lower legs and eight acupuncture needles were inserted into his face and neck while he was in a sitting position. During the treatment, he had a forceful sneeze that his head leaned forward while his body remained upright. This momentary posture caused his right clavicle to press on the needle inserted at the right side of his neck, consequently, the accidental displacement of the needle dissected a portion of the right internal carotid artery as confirmed using MRI. Hospitalization and antiplatelet therapy were prescribed for his condition; he made a full recovery and was discharged in two days. Three months later, he received a Doppler ultrasound for the internal carotid artery that showed no abnormality. Keywords: Acupuncture; Moxibustion; Adverse effect; Internal carotid artery