Acupuncture induced cranial epidural abscess: Case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture is a common form of alternative medicine that is utilized for pain control, amongst other modalities of treatment. It is a relatively safe procedure but complications, including those of infectious aetiology, may still occur.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 47-year-old, immunosuppressed, female patient presented with fever, altered level of consciousness, dysphasia, and a left occipital subgaleal fluctuant mass following acupuncture for headaches in the same area. Imaging demonstrated subgaleal and epidural collection localised in the left occipital region. She underwent urgent surgical evacuation of both collections. Cultures from intraoperative specimens grew Streptococcus Anginosus. Patient started targeted antibiotic treatment leading to complete recovery.

CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of intracranial abscess following acupuncture. Given the worldwide application of this alternative treatment, physicians, acupuncturists, and the general public should be aware of the possibility of this rare but serious complication.