Acupuncture in the prevention and treatment of stroke: a review of foreign studies

Abstract

Acupuncture has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an alternative and complementary method for treating stroke and a way to increase the effectiveness of rehabilitation. The data available in the literature suggest that acupuncture has a beneficial effect on the status of patients with stroke. The mechanism of action of acupuncture for stroke includes the following components: 1) stimulation of neurogenesis and cell proliferation in the CNS; 2) regulation of cerebral blood flow; 3) antiapoptosis; 4) regulation of neurotransmitters; 5) improvement of the neuronal synaptic function, stimulation of long-term potentiation; 6) stimulation of neuroplasticity; and 7) decrease in blood-brain barrier permeability. Acupuncture has been proven to have a positive impact on the restoration of stroke-related dysfunctions, such as motor disorders, spasticity, cognitive impairment, and dysphagia. The most commonly used acupuncture points for the treatment of motor disorders are GV20, GB20, LI4, ST36, SP6, LI11, GB39, and motor scalp area; those for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction are GV20 and EX-HN-1, and those for the treatment of dysphagia are GV20, GV16, and CV23. A review of the literature indicates that studies of the clinical potential of acupuncture in the treatment of complications and the prevention of stroke are insufficient. It is assumed that the international community's recent interest in acupuncture methods used in the treatment of stroke will lead to the emergence of new studies and publications.