Objective: To observe the effect difference between awn-like needle at Tiantu(CV 22) and filiform needle for dysphagia after cerebral infarction.
Methods: One hundred patients were randomly assigned into an awn-like needle group and a filiform needle group,50 cases in each one. Based on the conventional western medicine for all the patients,awn-like needle was applied at Tiantu(CV 22) in the awn-like needle group;while acupuncture was used at Fengchi(GB 20),Shanglianquan(Extra),Shuigou(GV 26) and Tongli(HT 5) in the filiform needle group,combined with pricking at Jinjin(EX-HN 12), Yuye(EX-HN 13),posterior pharyngeal wall with three-edged needle method. All the treatment was given once a day for two weeks. Standard swallowing assessment scale(SSA) and modified Bathel index for daily life ability(MBI) were used and the efficacy was calculated after treatment.
Results: The scores of SSA and MBI were improved after treatment in the two groups(all P<0.01),and the results were better in the awn-like needle group than those in the filiform needle group(both P<0.05). The cured and effective rate of the awn-like needle group was 56.0%(28/50), which was obviously better than 30.0%(15/50) of the filiform needle group(P<0.05).
Conclusions: Based on the conventional western treatment,awn-like needle and filiform needle can both improve dysphagia and daily life after cerebral infarction. But awn-like needle achieves better effect.
Keywords: Point CV 22(Tiantu); awn-like needle; cerebral infarction; dysphagia; randomized controlled trial(RCT).