Scalp acupuncture for Post-stroke depression: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials

Abstract

Review question / Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of scalp acupuncture for poststroke depression for the first time, and the results of this systematic review will be helpful for clinicians to use scalp acupuncture in the treatment of PSD. Condition being studied: Post-stroke depression (PSD) is one of the most common psychological sequelae of stroke, which is a state characterized by low mood and aversion to activity. It is one of the main obstacles in the process of stroke rehabilitation, which has a detrimental impact on functional recovery and quality of life and even increases mortality. Although the pathogenic factors of PSD are complex and diverse, it is now widely believed to involve complex interactions between neurobiological dysfunctions, psychosocial distress and biological factors. Despite increasing awareness and clinically based research on PSD, drugs to relieve and treat symptoms have made only limited gains. The use of antidepressants is accompanied by various unavoidable adverse effects, including headache, nausea, restlessness, and sexual dysfunction. A previous meta-analysis demonstrated that acupuncture can be safe and effective for the treatment of post-stroke depression. However, there is a lack of systematic reviews to evaluate the efficacy and safety of scalp acupuncture, which is a commonly used acupuncture modality in the treatment of PSD. Consequently, this study will assess the efficacy and safety of scalp acupuncture therapy for PSD compared to other treatments.