Successfully Treated Cluster Headache with Juzentaihoto

Abstract

This report describes a case of cluster headaches that was successfully treated with juzentaihoto. A 39-year-old male had been having attacks of cluster headaches for 7 years. During an attack, he took a triptan and nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), but they were not effective and he had lost his good eyesight after the attack. Recently, as the attacks had become more frequently and stronger, he visited our hospital. Physical examination including dry skin suggested that he had kikyo and kekkyo. Therefore, we prescribed juzentaihoto. After 3 months of treatment, the frequency and strength of the attacks decreased. The underlying pathophysiology of cluster headaches incompletely solved. When the responsible localization of organic disease is not clear, Western medicine sometimes have difficulty in relieving pain. On the other hand, we can analyze the case through “yin-yang and xu-shi categorization,” “life force, blood and colorless bodily fluids (3 elements that constitute an organism)” and Gozo-roppu-setsu according to traditional Chinese medicine. Understanding the bodily functions from an Oriental medicine viewpoint, we can prescribe effective oriental medicine to relieve pain.