Acupuncture-Induced Cranial Epidural Abscess: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background Acupuncture is a common form of alternative medicine that is used for pain control among other modalities of treatment. It is a relatively safe procedure, but complications, including those of infectious etiology, may still occur. Case Description A 47-year-old immunosuppressed woman presented with fever, altered level of consciousness, dysphasia, and a left occipital subgaleal fluctuant mass after acupuncture for headaches in the same area. Imaging demonstrated subgaleal and epidural collection localized in the left occipital region. She underwent urgent surgical evacuation of both collections. Cultures from intraoperative specimens grew Streptococcus anginosus. The patient started targeted antibiotic treatment leading to complete recovery. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report of intracranial abscess after 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.