ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the efficacy differences between acupoint catgut-embedding combined western medicine (ACCWM) and simple western medicine (WM) for treatment of epilepsy of generalized seizures type.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-two patients with epilepsy of generalized seizures type were randomly divided into an ACCWM group (n=30) and a WM group (n=22). Dazhui (GV 14), Yaoshu (GV 2), Jiuwei (CV 15), Qihai (CV 6) were selected in the ACCWM group as the main acupoints combined with routine antiepileptic drugs, Valpromide was taken orally, 2.0 g/d for adult, 50 mg/kg x d for child. The WM group was treated with routine antiepileptic drugs. The epilepsy score and the attack frequency one year before the treatment and one year during treatment were observed and the therapeutic effects in the two groups were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The epilepsy score and the attack frequency were both decreased in the two groups (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the epilepsy score in the ACCWM group decreased significantly (6.57 +/- 3.29 vs 10.73 +/- 2.54, P<0.05). The total effective rate of 90.0% (27/30) in the ACCWM group was superior to that of 68.2% (15/22) in the WM group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The therapeutic effect of ACCWM is superior to that of simple western medicine in treating epilepsy of generalized seizures type. It can improve significantly the attack symptoms so as to enhance life quality of the patients with epilepsy.</p>