Comparison of effects of acupuncture on cerebral infarction in different parts
Item
Title
Comparison of effects of acupuncture on cerebral infarction in different parts
Date
1998
volume
8(2)
Research Type
RCT
Keywords
Abstract
Stable cerebral infarction patients were separated into cerebral surface infarction and deep infarction on the basis of symptoms and CT scans and randomized to acupuncture and control groups (treated with usual care and drugs). There were 31 surface and 61 deep infarctions, and patients were evaluated by a national Chinese Medical Association clinical effects scale. The clinical injury score for all 92 patients dropped 12 points with acupuncture vs 6 points for controls (22-23 baseline) with 11/16 markedly improved with acupunc ture in the surface infarct group and 10/31 with deep infarction, vs 0 of 15 and 0 of 30 controls, respectively. Scalp acupuncture demonstrated definite effectiveness, but less when the infarction is deep near the ventricles and internal capsule. Acupuncture enhances cerebral blood flow and tissue metabolism, but less abundant collateral circulation is available for the region of deep infarcts. CT scans showed the superficial infarct area reduced after I month of daily acupuncture, but the deep infarct reduction was limited.
has health condition studied
Stroke