The TCM-combined treatment for aphasia due to cerebrovascular disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of scalp acupuncture (with the cluster needling, a long needle-retention and an intermittent manipulation) combined with the Schuell's stimulation and psychological care for treatment of aphasia due to cerebrovascular disorders. METHOD: 36 eligible cases of aphasia were randomly assigned into a treatment group and a control group. The scoring system for assessment of aphasia in speaking Chinese set by CMA Neurological Branch and that of BADE were adopted for grading the severity/degree of aphasia before and after the treatment. RESULTS: The total effective rate in the treatment group was 84.21%, and that in the control group was 70.59%, with a very statistically significant difference (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The combined scheme produced a better therapeutic effect.