Efficacy observation on Governor Vessel-regulating and brain-unblocking acupuncture for post-stroke depression / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of Governor Vessel-regulating and brain-unblocking acupuncture on post-stroke depression. Methods:A total of 70 eligible cases were randomly allocated into an observation group and a control group according to the random number table. Patients in the observation group were treated with Governor Vessel-regulating and brain-unblocking acupuncture, whereas patients in the control group were treated with oral Escitalopram Oxalate tablet. The treatment lasted for 8 weeks. The Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), Montgomery Asberg depression rating scale (MADRS), and Barthel Index (BI) were used to evaluate the patients’ condition before, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after treatment respectively. In addition, adverse reactions were also recorded. Results:After 4 weeks of treatment, the HAMD and MADRS scores were significantly decreased in both groups (P0.05); the MADRS score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P0.05); however, the adverse reactions in the observation group were significantly less than those in the control group. Conclusion:The Governor Vessel-regulating and brain-unblocking acupuncture is safe and effective for post-stroke depression and can obtain similar efficacy as Escitalopram Oxalate tablet. In addition, it can fast alleviate core symptoms of depression and improve the activities of daily living (ADL) and has fewer adverse reactions.