Functional Medicine Newport Beach

Case Series: Spinal Cord Injury (Paralysis)

Posted on December 7, 2024

What are the chances of moving the feet again after a true complete SCI? slim chance.

Ongoing research provides hope.

Notable developments include:

  • Case Series: We have several cases, not just a single isolated report, of individuals regaining sensation and limited movement following intensive acupuncture interventions after
  • We tested two different acupuncture protocols in conjunction with other integrative services, in the acute stage, one of the protocols yielded positive results:  regaining physical function (BUE, BLE), regaining sensation (ie: being able to sense someone touching your foot).
  • Drawbacks of Acupuncture of this protocol for paralysis:
    • Requires prolonged evaluations, consultations, reporting, as well as patient and family education.
    • The protocol which yielded results required lengthy acupuncture treatments, which have higher costs associated with them.
    • The intervention may only be effective if applied at the appropriate stage of the disease process.
    • Outcomes are potentially dose-dependent
    • We lack funding to write a proper case series of these cases which lead to patients regaining function and sensation, when prior to our interventions, they lay without any sensation of limbs (upper limbs: shoulders, arms, fingers. lower limbs: toes, feet, legs, hips).  Bladder function may be easier to jump-start with acupuncture than limbs.
    • Self-Pay, Not Covered By Insurance.