Case Report

A 43 year old female with multiple sclerosis was treated for approximately ten years, utilizing a specific type of acupuncture therapy. Noted incidentally on hospital admission for pneumonia and urinary tract infection, the gold-seed needle tips were permanently implanted, with the intent of long-term symptom relief. In this case, the patient attributed resolution of her right foot drop to the treatments.

Little is written in Western medicine regarding efficacy and possible side effects of such implants. Some Eastern cultures use the technique to treat inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and lupus erythematosus. However, gold compounds are being explored as an alternative option in the management of various other conditions.