Comparative Study by TCD on the Realtime Effect of Scalp Cluster Acupuncture versus Nape Cluster Acupuncture for Vertigo Due to Cerebral Circulation Insufficiency / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To compare the realtime effects of scalp cluster acupuncture versus nape cluster acupuncture on the cerebral blood flow in patients with vertigo due to cerebral circulation insufficiency (CCI). Methods Fifty-seven patients with vertigo due to CCI were randomized into a treatment group of 29 cases and a control group of 28 cases. The treatment group was intervened by scalp cluster acupuncture, while the control group was by nape cluster acupuncture. The systolic blood flow velocity (Vs), diastolic blood flow velocity (Vd), and mean blood flow velocity (Vm) of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), internal carotid artery (ICA), basilar artery (BA), posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA), and vertebral artery (VA) were observed before and after intervention by Transcranial Doppler (TCD). Results After intervention, the Vs, Vd, and Vm of MCA, ICA, BA, PICA and VA were significantly changed in the treatment group (P＜0.01, P＜0.05). The blood velocities of MCA, ICA, VA, and PICA were significantly changed after intervention in the control group (P＜0.01). The Vs and Vm of BA were significantly changed in the control group after intervention (P＜0.05). There were no significant differences in comparing the blood velocities of the observed arteries between the two groups after intervention (P>0.05). Conclusion Scalp cluster acupuncture and nape cluster acupuncture both can improve the Vs, Vd, and Vm of the low-velocity cerebral arteries.