Adjuvant Acupuncture for Severe Head Injury

Adjuvant Acupuncture Therapy in Patients With Severe Head Injury: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on severe head injury under conventional treatment. A double-blind clinical trial is conducted up to 6 weeks and the change of subjects' Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and muscle power is measured.

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on severe head injury under conventional treatment.

Methods: 90 subjects aged 12 to 70 years with severe head injury (Glasgow coma scale score 8 or less) are randomly divided into acupuncture, laser acupuncture and control group. We use restoring consciousness acupuncture (GV26 and 12 Well points) to treat the subjects 3 sessions per week under conventional treatment at Department of Neurosurgery. A double-blind clinical trial is conducted up to 6 weeks and the change of subjects' GCS and muscle power is measured.

Inclusion Criteria:

• subjects aged 12 to 70 years with severe head injury (Glasgow coma scale score 8 or less)
• with informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• dilated pupils without light reflex
• serious complications during therapeutic course
• interruption of therapeutic course
• unfavored condition assessed by physician in charge
• without informed consent