Acupuncture as a Treatment Option in Treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder–Related Tinnitus in War Veterans: A Case Presentation

Afua O. Arhin, Fayetteville State University
Kelly Gallop, Fayetteville State University
Judith Mann, Fayetteville State University
Sheila Cannon, Fayetteville State University
Kimberly Tran, Fayetteville State University
Mei Chuan Wang, Fayetteville State University

Abstract

Although close associations between tinnitus and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among war veterans has been documented, there is limited research that explores evidence-based, efficacious interventions to treat the condition in this particular population. This article presents a case of three war veterans with PTSD symptoms who received a series of acupuncture treatments for tinnitus with positive outcomes. Even though the article presents cases of only three veterans and was based on self-reports, there were very clear trends on how veterans with tinnitus symptoms responded to acupuncture treatments. Information generated from this case presentation is a good starting place in exploring evidence-based approaches in treating tinnitus symptoms in war veterans with PTSD.