A Case of Neuralgia due to Tabes Dorsalis Effectively Treated with Kagawa-Gedoku-zai-Kamiho

Abstract

Neuralgia due to tabes dorsalis is refractory to treatment. We report a case which responded to Kagawa-gedoku-zai-kamiho. A 55-year-old female patients started having persistent systemic pain, particularly frequently in both of her lower extremities. It did not improve, and the diagnosis was made as tabes dorsalis at Fukushima Medical College Hospital. After antisyphilitic therapy, she underwent acupuncture and treatment with various drugs for systemic pain. However, the analgesic effect of this treatment gradually diminished, and she was referred to our institute (Department of Kampo Medicine). Based on her medical history and systemic conditions, we prescribed the above formulation. The analgesic effect of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (suppositories) gradually increased. When pain in the legs later became more severe, Bushi and Daio were given in increased doses, which relieved the pain completely and enabled the patient to stop the suppositories. In January, 1993, pain developed again in the arm. The doses of Bushi and Daio were increased, which gradually reduced the pain. Kampo medicine seems to offer promising treatment for syphilis after antisyphilitic therapy.