Clinical study of penetrating acupuncture for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of penetrating acupuncture in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: 105 patients with acute ischemic stroke were randomly divided into two GROUPS: an acupuncture group (n=53) and a control group (n=52). The control group received routine Western medicine treatment, while the acupuncture group received penetrating acupuncture in addition to routine Western medicine treatment. Changes in neurological deficit scores and Functional Independence Scale (FIM) scores before and after treatment were observed and compared between the two groups. Results After treatment, both groups showed a significant decrease in neurological deficit scores (P<0.01) and a significant increase in FIM scores (P<0.01). The acupuncture group showed a greater decrease in neurological deficit scores and a greater increase in FIM scores than the control group (P<0.01). The differences in neurological deficit assessment and FIM score between the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.01), with the acupuncture group showing better improvement in neurological deficit and functional independence than the control group (P<0.01). In conclusion, penetrating acupuncture has a definite and effective clinical effect in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. It can promote the early recovery of limb nerve function and functional independence, improve the quality of life of patients, and is a simple, convenient, economical and effective treatment method.