Efficacy of Scalp Acupuncture with the Long-Stay Method on Motor Dysfunction in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: In China, acupuncture has been widely used in treating cerebrovascular diseases since time immemorial. Scalp acupuncture using the long-stay method is a traditional acupuncture treatment. However, previous studies have concluded that the clinical efficacy of scalp acupuncture for the treatment of stroke remains uncertain. In addition, no randomized controlled trials have been conducted on scalp acupuncture using the long-stay method. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the long-stay method of scalp acupuncture for limb movement dysfunction in patients after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). METHODS: Seventy-two patients with acute strokes were randomly divided into treatment and control groups. The control group received conventional acupuncture with a half-hour needle stay each time, whereas the treatment group underwent scalp needling using a long retention method, with each retention of needles lasting 24 hours. Both groups received acupuncture treatment for 2 weeks and were followed up for 6 months. Cerebrovascular reserve (CVR), breath-holding index (BHI), pulsatility index (PI), Fugl–Meyer, and Barthel index (BI) were assessed at baseline, week 1, week 2, and during follow-up. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, both groups showed a significant improvement in CVR, Fugl–Meyer, BI, PI, and BHI (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the treatment group showed more significant improvements in Fugl–Meyer scores, BI, CVR, PI, and BHI (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that Fugl–Meyer and BI scores increased significantly with CVR recovery over the course of treatment. CONCLUSION: Scalp acupuncture with the long-stay method can improve neurological deficits and the ability to perform daily activities among AIS patients, which may be related to the improvement of CVR function in patients.