Acupuncture Therapy for Postoperative Rehabilitation of Pediatric Moyamoya Disease: A Case Report

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is mainly treated by revascularization surgery, and common rehabilitation interventions include exercise, occupational, and physical factor therapies. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can improve the rehabilitation process. We report a case of an 8-year-old boy with surgery-treated MMD whose hemiplegic symptoms were significantly alleviated by acupuncture therapy. After craniocerebral bypass surgery, the child had left limb weakness, inability to clench or hold objects, occasional numbness, external rotation of the foot, and tendency to externally roll over when standing alone. TCM acupuncture therapy was used to improve hemiplegia and restore motor function of the affected limbs. After 6 weeks of treatment, the child's hemiplegic gait improved, proximal muscle strength was grade IV, and distal muscle strength was grade III–IV. The patient could hold objects with his left hand for a few minutes. Left thumb flexor strength was grade III, dorsal extensor strength was grade II, and flexor and dorsal extensor strength of the other four fingers was grade IV. Proximal and distal muscle strength was grade V and IV, respectively. The left wrist could move freely, the left interphalangeal joints could extend and hold objects, and the motor function of the left upper limb was basically restored. TCM acupuncture treatment for pediatric MMD has fewer side effects, utilizes simpler methods, has a lower cost, and offers more varied treatment options with better treatment compliance. It can be combined with rehabilitation therapy to improve limb function.