A Case Report of Korean Medicine Treatment for Atypical Lower Extremity Pain in a Patient with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)

Background: Pain in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is typically characterized by a symmetrical distribution with neuropathic features, such as burning or shooting sensations. However, atypical presentations, including unilateral localized pain, may occur and can complicate clinical interpretation.Case Presentation: A 76-year-old man presented with persistent pain in the left calf and gait disturbance, which progressively worsened and radiated to the posterior thigh. Motor weakness subsequently developed in both the upper and lower extremities. Nerve conduction study findings were consistent with sensorimotor polyneuropathy, leading to a diagnosis of CIDP. Although intravenous immunoglobulin improved muscle weakness, calf pain persisted, and previous treatments were ineffective. The patient underwent 4 weeks of Korean medicine treatment, including Gyejibokryeong-hwan, pharmacopuncture, acupuncture, and electroacupuncture. After treatment, the Numerical Rating Scale score decreased from 8 to 5, and the Brief Pain Inventory score decreased from 8.57 to 6.43, indicating clinically meaningful improvement, along with improved walking ability, sleep quality, and independent ambulation.Conclusions: This case suggests that Korean medicine treatment, including Gyejibokryeong-hwan, pharmacopuncture, acupuncture, and electroacupuncture, may contribute to improvement of atypical unilateral pain in patients with CIDP and may be considered a potential therapeutic option when conventional treatments are insufficient.