Effects of Combined Korean and Western Medicine Treatment for Dizziness and Urinary Retention Caused by Multiple System Atrophy: A Case Report

Background: Multiple system atrophy–cerebellar type (MSA-C) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder presenting with cerebellar ataxia and autonomic dysfunction, with limited treatment options. This study reports the effects of Korean medicine treatment in a patient with MSA-C who presented with dizziness and delayed urination.Case presentation: A 60-year-old woman was admitted with worsening dizziness and chronic voiding difficulty. She also developed dysarthria and an abnormal gait. Laboratory tests revealed no remarkable abnormalities upon admission. Brain MRI demonstrated cerebellar atrophy with a hot-cross bun sign, and PET-CT showed decreased dopamine transporter uptake in the left putamen. Vestibular tests indicated central vestibular dysfunction. She was diagnosed with MSA-C and underwent acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medication. After treatment, dizziness improved, exercise duration increased, orthostatic hypotension stabilized, and both time to first urination and post-void residual volume decreased.Conclusion: Korean medicine treatment improved orthostatic dizziness and urinary dysfunction in a patient with MSA-C.