Efficacy analysis on vertigo of cerebellar infarction at the recovery stage treated with electroacupuncture at the balance area and vertigo-auditory area of scalp acupuncture

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy of electric stimulation at the balance area and vertigo-auditory area of scalp acupuncture for vertigo caused by cerebellar infarction. MethodsOne hundred cases of vertigo caused by cerebellar infarction at the recovery stage were randomized into a scalp acupuncture group and a conventional acupuncture group. In the scalp acupuncture group, on the basis of the routine drug therapy, the electric stimulation was applied to the balance area and vertigo-auditory area of scalp acupuncture. In the conventional acupuncture group, on the basis of the routine drug therapy, the conventional acupuncture was supplemented. The treatment was given once a day, 6 treatments made one session. The clinical efficacy was assessed after 4 sessions of treatment. The transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) was adopted in the scalp acupuncture group to observe the changes of the mean blood flow velocity (Vm) of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), middle cerebral artery (MCA) and posterior cerebral artery (PCA) before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, the total effective rate was 90.0% (45/50) in the scalp acupuncture group and was 68.0% (34/50) in the conventional acupuncture group, presenting the statistically significant difference in comparison (P<0.05). After treatment, Vm of ACA and MCA was increased apparently as compared with that before treatment in the scalp acupuncture group. ConclusionThe electric stimulation at the balance area and vertigo-auditory area of scalp acupuncture achieves the apparent efficacy on vertigo caused by cerebellar infarction at the recovery stage and improves obviously brain blood circulation. It is significant to promote this therapy in clinical practice.