Post-Acupuncture Shock: Symptoms and Medical Guidance

Sudden near-syncope in the middle of the night after acupuncture?

Hello Doctor,
On Thursday, May 5th, around 8 PM, after having dinner, I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner because I had a slight strain in my hand from playing basketball and thought a massage would help.
The doctor mentioned that I had weak heart function, insufficient blood flow, and poor circulation and metabolism.
She wanted to perform acupuncture, but I was scared and declined.
However, she assured me it would be quick and inserted a needle into my scalp before giving me a massage.
She removed the needle when I was about to leave the clinic around 2 AM.

I suddenly woke up from my sleep feeling like I couldn't breathe, which made me panic.
My heart started racing, and my limbs began to feel numb.
I live alone, and I was very anxious, so I quickly called an ambulance.
A gentleman on the ambulance took my blood pressure, but my hand was curled up and numb due to the machine's compression.
They rushed me to the hospital, where the doctor ordered blood tests and found that I had a potassium deficiency, ruling out any heart issues.

After returning home, I continued to feel a tingling sensation at the site of the acupuncture on my scalp, and I experienced chest tightness and occasional rapid heartbeats.
I was afraid of a recurrence of the fainting episode.
For the next two or three nights, I felt gastrointestinal discomfort, with gas trapped in my chest, which affected my sleep.
I experienced diarrhea every morning, and eating anything made my stomach uncomfortable.

This morning, I decided to schedule appointments with both a cardiologist and a gastroenterologist.
The cardiologist is conducting a 24-hour ECG, while the gastroenterologist asked if I wanted to undergo an endoscopy.
I am scared and thought I would try medication first to see if it helps.
The doctor also suggested I see a metabolic specialist.
Currently, the symptoms include a lingering tingling sensation at the acupuncture site.

Doctor, could my near-fainting episode that night be related to the acupuncture? (P.S.
I had stayed up late the night before and was quite tired, and I had coffee during the day.) I feel unwell whenever I eat, which leads to an increased heart rate, and I am genuinely frightened.
Is this serious? Besides continuing with the medications from the cardiologist and gastroenterologist, do I need to see a metabolic specialist?
Thank you for reading and answering my lengthy message!

Xiao Mei, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/05/09

Dr. Qiu Shuize reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

First of all, thank you for your letter.
From your correspondence, I can roughly understand your condition.
Although the details regarding acupuncture and tui na (Chinese therapeutic massage) are unclear, it seems that your qi and blood may be somewhat deficient.
Considering factors such as sleep, diet, menstrual cycle, emotions, and physical strength, these bodily conditions may not be directly associated with acupuncture.
I recommend that you make adjustments to address your current state of physical deficiency, focusing on gastrointestinal digestion and nourishing your qi and blood.
After all, you are only around 30 years old, and if your body remains in a suboptimal health state for an extended period, it may not be suitable.
Additionally, please consider whether you have any other chronic conditions that may not be obvious to you.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2011/05/09

More Info

Post-acupuncture shock is a rare but concerning phenomenon that can occur after acupuncture treatment. It is characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and feelings of panic or anxiety. In your case, it seems that after receiving acupuncture and massage, you experienced a significant episode that led to emergency medical intervention.
From your description, it appears that you experienced a combination of symptoms that could be attributed to several factors, including anxiety, possible electrolyte imbalance (as indicated by your low potassium levels), and the physical effects of acupuncture. Acupuncture can sometimes lead to temporary changes in blood circulation and nerve sensitivity, which might explain the tingling sensation in your scalp and the feelings of discomfort in your chest and abdomen.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Breathing Difficulties and Rapid Heartbeat: These symptoms can be associated with anxiety or panic attacks, especially if you were feeling stressed or fatigued prior to the acupuncture session. The adrenaline rush from panic can lead to hyperventilation, which may cause sensations of breathlessness and increased heart rate.

2. Electrolyte Imbalance: The blood test indicating low potassium levels is significant. Electrolyte imbalances can lead to muscle weakness, cramping, and irregular heart rhythms, which could contribute to your symptoms. It’s essential to address this with dietary changes or supplements as advised by your healthcare provider.

3. Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Your gastrointestinal symptoms, such as feeling bloated or having diarrhea after eating, could be related to anxiety or stress, which can affect gut motility. It’s also possible that the acupuncture treatment may have stimulated your digestive system, leading to temporary discomfort.

Medical Guidance
Given your ongoing symptoms, it is wise to continue following up with your healthcare providers. Here are some recommendations:
- Cardiology and Gastroenterology Follow-Up: Since you are already undergoing evaluations with cardiology and gastroenterology, it is crucial to complete these assessments. The 24-hour Holter monitor will help identify any arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats that may need further investigation.

- Metabolic Evaluation: Consulting with a metabolic specialist could be beneficial, especially if you continue to experience symptoms that suggest an underlying metabolic issue. They can evaluate your overall metabolic health, including hormone levels and other potential imbalances.

- Mental Health Support: Given the anxiety and panic you experienced, it may be helpful to speak with a mental health professional. They can provide strategies to manage anxiety and help you cope with the fear of recurrence of your symptoms.

- Dietary Adjustments: Work with a nutritionist to ensure you are getting adequate potassium and other essential nutrients. This can help alleviate some of your gastrointestinal symptoms and improve your overall health.

Conclusion
While your experience was undoubtedly distressing, it is essential to approach your recovery holistically. Continue to monitor your symptoms and maintain open communication with your healthcare providers. If you feel that your symptoms are not improving or if new symptoms arise, do not hesitate to seek further medical advice. Remember, it’s crucial to listen to your body and prioritize your health.

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