Some research suggests that acupuncture may benefit people who have suffered a stroke, a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to your brain is suddenly cut off or when a blood vessel in your brain bursts.
Key points
A type of needle-based alternative therapy long used in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, may help treat several of the disabilities that commonly occur in people who have experienced a stroke.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Stroke Patients.
To date, there is little scientific support for the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of conditions caused by stroke. For instance, a 2006 review of five trials (with a total of 368 patients) concluded that “there is no clear evidence on the effects” of acupuncture for stroke rehabilitation. However, several small studies indicate that acupuncture may be of some benefit to stroke patients.
Here’s a look at their findings:
1. Acupuncture and Balance Function in Stroke Patients
Acupuncture may boost balance in people who have suffered a stroke, according to a 2009 study of 30 patients. After undergoing a single acupuncture treatment, study participants showed improvements in balance function (as well as in muscle strength).
2. Acupuncture in Stroke Patients for Upper Extremity Rehabilitation
In a 2005 study of 33 stroke patients with chronic hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body), researchers tested the effects of up to 20 acupuncture sessions over an average of 10.5 weeks. While acupuncture failed to improve upper-extremity function or quality of life in the study participants, some subjects did experience gains in motor function over the course of the study.
3. Acupuncture for Stroke Patients with Spastic Dyskinesia
A study published in 2007 shows that acupuncture may help treat spastic dyskinesia (difficulty in performing voluntary movements), a common problem among stroke patients. The study involved 96 stroke patients, all of whom underwent one acupuncture session. Study results suggest that acupuncture may significantly improve spastic dyskinesia as well as enhance daily functioning.
4. Should You Use Acupuncture for Stroke Rehabilitation?
Due to the lack of research, it’s too soon to recommend acupuncture for stroke rehabilitation. If you’re interested in using acupuncture to treat conditions caused by stroke, talk to your doctor about when and how to begin treatment. It’s important to work with a qualified medical acupuncturist when using acupuncture for stroke rehabilitation.
