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Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause peripheral neuropathy via immunopathogenic mechanisms, producing polyneuropathy, mononeuritis multiplex, axonal injury, or demyelination, with pain, weakness, sensory loss, and brain fog. In neuropsychiatric SLE, peripheral involvement affects 4.9–7.6% of patients. Clinical patterns may resemble acute inflammatory neuropathies or neuromuscular junction disorders and include autonomic dysfunction. Acupuncture is an effective therapy for peripheral neuropathy with minimal side effects. A 30-year-old woman with SLE presented with complaints of weakness in both her legs and hands for the past week, accompanied by numbness that had been present for one month and was spreading upwards. The weakness in her legs and hands was reported to be persistent and increasing day by day. Physical examination revealed weakness in both hands and feet, with motor strength measured as 3332/2333/3333/3333, along with a negative Hoover sign. The NCS examination indicated small fiber neuropathy (2022). After 12 sessions of therapy, there was significant improvement, particularly after the 6th session when the patient began to notice an increase in motor strength. This outcome was also supported by positive changes in the NSS, EQ-5D, and HAM-A scores. Manual acupuncture therapy combined with electroacupuncture and scalp acupuncture showed satisfactory results with minimal side effects.

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