Case 1: Acupuncture for Postoperative Brain Edema in a Child With Medulloblastoma
A 4-year-old boy underwent surgical resection of a posterior fossa medulloblastoma. Postoperative MRI revealed severe cerebellar edema, which contributed to opisthotonus (a type of involuntary muscle spasm), vision loss, and neurological signs including a positive Babinski reflex. Standard postoperative management included corticosteroids, antiemetics, and physical therapy; however, these interventions did not lead to improvement. A ventricular drainage tube was later placed at a children’s hospital in an attempt to relieve the edema, but this attempt was also unsuccessful.
Due to concerns about ongoing neurological damage, the care team approved acupuncture as a complementary therapy to support recovery. The child’s parent was aware of a similar case more than 10 years earlier in which integrative medical care, including acupuncture, was used abroad to support recovery from brain injury. With medical approval, acupuncture was initiated five weeks after surgery.
Treatment was provided twice weekly for five weeks, then reduced to weekly sessions once the child’s condition stabilized. All treatments were gentle and age-appropriate, focusing on points traditionally associated with reducing inflammation, supporting neurological function, and regulating fluid balance.
Over the treatment period, the child demonstrated gradual improvement. Within five weeks, head circumference decreased by approximately 0.5 cm, and neurological signs such as opisthotonus and the Babinski reflex were resolved. Steroid therapy was discontinued under medical supervision. Unfortunately, vision loss was not recovered. No adverse effects related to acupuncture were observed, and the child tolerated the treatments well.
Case 2: Acupuncture in a Pediatric Patient with Postoperative Edema Following Craniotomy
A 17-year-old girl underwent a craniotomy for tumor removal in June 2025. Postoperatively, she developed an infection that required surgical cleanout in July 2025. Tumor regrowth was identified in September 2025, and a third craniotomy for tumor removal was performed in October 2025.
Following the third surgery, the patient experienced nerve damage and persistent postoperative vasogenic edema. Symptoms included left-sided facial swelling, severe neuropathic pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, complete numbness on the left side of the face, drooping of the left eyelid with inability to open the eye, minimal eye movement, and fixed pupil dilation in the left eye. Despite standard medical management, little improvement was observed.
Based on prior experience with integrative care for severe postoperative brain edema, the patient’s pediatrician recommended acupuncture as a supportive therapy. Acupuncture was initiated within one week of the third surgery, with treatments provided twice weekly.
After one and a half weeks, nerve pain was confined to the inner corner of the left eyebrow. Within two weeks, facial edema decreased significantly, allowing the surgeon to remove sutures. After five treatments, nerve pain had resolved completely, with residual numbness limited to the area above the eyebrow. The patient was able to open the left eyelid with effort, and eye movement improved with resolution of fixed dilation. She returned to school after approximately three weeks of treatment.
Acupuncture points were selected based on traditional Chinese medicine principles related to brain function and fluid regulation, with adjustments made for pediatric comfort and safety. Electroacupuncture was used in this case.
Summary
These pediatric cases suggest that acupuncture may serve as a safe and supportive complementary therapy for children experiencing postoperative brain edema after brain tumor or cancer surgery when used alongside conventional medical treatment. It is important to note that:
- Acupuncture was provided with approval from the medical team and alongside standard care.
- Recovery is influenced by many factors, and results may vary.
- Further pediatric-focused clinical research is needed to better understand safety, effectiveness, and mechanisms.
Information for Parents and Caregivers
What Is Brain Edema?
After brain surgery, some children experience brain edema, which is temporary swelling of brain tissue. Symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Balance or coordination problems
- Difficulty concentrating
Doctors typically manage brain edema with medications (such as steroids), careful monitoring, and rehabilitation therapies.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a therapy originating from traditional Chinese medicine. It involves the use of very thin needles (one hundredth the width of a standard vaccine needle) placed at specific points on the body or scalp. In pediatric care:
- Treatments are gentle and adapted for children
- Children are closely monitored for comfort and safety
Acupuncture is sometimes offered as part of integrative or complementary care, meaning it is used together with standard medical treatment, not as a replacement.
Why Might Acupuncture Be Considered After Brain Surgery?
Some families and medical teams consider acupuncture to support recovery after pediatric brain tumor surgery. In postoperative care, acupuncture has been used to help:
- Support recovery and healing
- Reduce postoperative edema
- Ease pain and discomfort
- Help with headaches or nausea
- Promote relaxation, energy, and overall well-being
- Complement medical treatment during steroid tapering
In the pediatric cases described, children receiving acupuncture during recovery showed improvement in symptoms as postoperative swelling decreased and neurological function improved. Recovery varies for each child.
What Does Treatment Look Like for Children?
- Provided by a licensed practitioner with pediatric experience
- Started when the medical team determines it is safe after surgery
- Parents are often allowed to remain with their child
- Most children tolerate treatments well
- Side effects are uncommon and usually mild
Important Things to Remember
- Acupuncture should be used as integrative care alongside routine medical treatment
- It should only be used with medical approval
- Every child’s recovery is unique
Final Note for Families
Caring for a child after brain tumor surgery can be overwhelming. Some families find that integrative therapies such as acupuncture provide additional comfort and support during recovery. If you are interested, speak with your child’s care team to help determine whether this option is appropriate for your child.
