Electroacupuncture for oculomotor nerve palsy after chemotherapy: A case report

Introduction:Oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) is often discovered in the ophthalmology department, manifested as ptosis with the same side, eyeball in the fixed external booth, or accompanied by limited inward, upward, and downward movements. The present case report described the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on a breast cancer patient with ONP after chemotherapy.Patient concerns:A 56-year-old breast cancer patient presented with severe ptosis and fixed right eye exotropia. Besides, it is challenging to perform the movement inward, upward, and downward, and with obvious diplopia.Diagnoses:The breast cancer patient was diagnosed with ONP, chemotherapy history.Interventions:The patient was introduced to acupuncture department to receiving EA treatment.Outcomes:After 12 times of EA treatments, the symptom of ptosis was significantly improved, and the right upper eyelid can lift autonomously as same as the left eye. Besides, the patient's right lateral eye could move freely, and the symptoms of double vision disappeared.Conclusion:The case suggests that EA may be an effective alternative treatment for ONP.