Improvement in Balance Impairment Following Cerebral Infarction after Traditional Korean Medicine Including Acupotomy: Case Report

A 69-year-old man with persistent balance impairment following a right medullary infarction showed limited improvement after two months of conventional rehabilitation. Despite recovered lower limb strength, his balance and quality of life remained poor (BBS : 25, EQ-5D VAS : 30, SS-QoL : 137, mRS : 4). He then underwent 10 sessions of traditional Korean medicine over seven weeks, including acupotomy targeting cervical and lumbar areas, along with acupuncture, electroacupuncture, pharmacopuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine. Post-treatment, he exhibited a marked improvement (BBS : 56, EQ-5D VAS : 85, SS-QoL : 226, mRS : 2) and was able to walk independently. No adverse events occurred. This case indicates that traditional Korean medicine, including acupotomy, may have led to significant improvements in gait, balance, and overall quality of life in post-stroke patients. Further research is warranted.