Acupuncture at Zuqiaoyin (GB44) Modulates Regional Brain Activity in Migraine Without Aura: A Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Abstract
Background: Migraine is considered a common neurological disorder. Acupuncture at Zuqiaoyin (GB44) is effective in the treatment of migraine without aura, but its central mechanism is still unclear.
Objectives: The purpose is to compare the therapeutic effect and brain functional activity difference between acupuncture at GB44 and nonacupoints and explore the central affect mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of migraine without aura.
Methods: Our study is a randomized controlled trial. A total of 20 patients with migraine without aura were included in the study. Twelve patients received acupuncture at GB44 as the acupuncture group and eight patients received acupuncture at nonacupoints as the sham acupuncture group. Both groups received a 10-time acupuncture intervention for 1 month. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score evaluated the clinical outcomes of acupuncture. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (fALFF) analysis were adopted to compare differences of brain functional activity between the two groups.
Results: We found that improvements in headache severity and migraine-related quality of life in both groups after a 4-week acupuncture intervention but better clinical improvement were observed in the acupuncture group. A decreased fALFF in the right superior frontal gyrus, right insula, and right precuneus and an increased fALFF in the left postcentral gyrus and left precuneus were observed…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 20 participants or records.
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