Abstract
Objectives: To conduct a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of scalp acupuncture (SA) in patients with stroke and consequent hemiparesis regardless of brain infarction or intracerebral hemorrhage.Methods: A literature search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on SA for stroke was performed in five databases up to May 10, 2021. We investigated three types of outcome: motor function, sequelae of poststroke hemiparesis, and adverse effects. Methodological quality was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool version 2.0.Results: Of 1,063 papers, 30 RCTs involving Fugl–Meyer Assessment were selected, among which 10 and four RCTs were selected for evaluation of courses lasting of 1 and 3 months, respectively. The meta-analysis of 1- and 3-month courses revealed significant differences in the motor function of the SA plus Western standard treatment group vs. Western standard treatment only (medication plus rehabilitation; P < 0.001). A 3-month course tended to result in better outcomes than a 1-month course.Conclusions: Our meta-analysis results reveal that SA improves motor function in patients with acute to chronic stroke, regardless of brain infarction or intracerebral hemorrhage. However, because of a lack of methodological quality, thoroughly planned clinical studies are still required.
Highlights
Stroke is the sudden injury of neurons due to lack of blood supply to the brain, leading to the rapid development of a focal neurologic deficit
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of scalp acupuncture (SA) on motor function in stroke with the control group receiving modern standard treatment or conventional treatment were included in this study
We investigated three types of outcome: motor function, sequelae of poststroke hemiparesis, and adverse effects
Summary
Stroke is the sudden injury of neurons due to lack of blood supply to the brain, leading to the rapid development of a focal neurologic deficit. Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a major cause of disability [1]. It can be classified as ischemic (blood vessel occlusion) or hemorrhagic (blood vessel rupture). The specific risk factors are family history, atrial fibrillation, asymptomatic carotid stenosis, cardiac disease, sickle cell anemia, diet (high-sodium, low-potassium diet in overweight or elderly individuals), physical inactivity, obesity, hormone replacement therapy, hyperhomocysteinemia, hypercoagulability, lipoprotein(a), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, inflammation, infection, and geography. The specific risk factors are antithrombolytic use, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, microbleeding, illicit drug use, dialysis, and tumors [2]. Rehabilitation is a major part of stroke recovery [4]. The use of sensory stimulation (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or acupuncture) was reported to contribute to routine rehabilitation and improve poststroke hemiparesis [5]
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