Acute Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Induced by Hemorrhage During Acupuncture Therapy

Abstract

Because acupuncture has a long history of use, especially to relieve pain, both patients and therapists believe that it carries few risks as long as sterile needles are used. However, as shown by previous reports, acupuncture can cause various adverse effects such as hemorrhage, infection, and dizziness. An 81-year-old woman presented with swelling and severe pain in her right hand. The cause of the swelling was unclear although a septic tenosynovitis due to acupuncture was initially suspected. Hemorrhage in the carpal tunnel was found during surgery. Hemorrhage can increase the pressure in the carpal tunnel. Patients taking anticoagulant therapy are more likely to develop hemorrhage or hematoma as a result of acupuncture therapy.

Does acupuncture increase the risk of bleeding in patients taking warfarin?

“…Warfarin was discontinued and oral vitamin K was initiated, following which she showed good recovery. Another case of acupuncture-induced calf hematoma in a patient taking anticoagulant medication was reported by Han et al 9 , while other articles report multiple small hematomas on the inner membrane of the appendix 10 and acute carpal tunnel syndrome with bleeding from the rupture of several extensor tendons in the hand 11 after acupuncture.…”