Acupuncture Treatment for Brain Injuries
New research from South Medical University in China showed that acupuncture can be useful in the treatment of traumatic brain injuries. Acupuncture is an ancient medical art that originated in Asia. This medical practice has been used to help people who suffer from chronic pain, hormone problems, digestive issues, and more. Now, it seems that its usefulness might extend to brain injuries.
The study found that individuals who use acupuncture might recover more quickly after a head injury. If these results prove to be accurate, it might open the door to a new wave of treatment options for those who suffer a traumatic brain injury.
Paralysis Following a Traumatic Brain Injury
Those who suffer a blow to the head are at risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury. Unfortunately, this type of neurological damage can lead to long-term complications, including paralysis. Drugs such as mannitol and oxiracetam can play a role in relieving this complication. This was the target of researchers who published their findings in Acupuncture Research earlier this year.
The Design of the Research Study
The research team conducted a study on 60 patients who were hospitalized following a TBI and were subsequently diagnosed with paralysis in one or more limbs. This study was done over four years. The patients were randomly divided into a control group and an acupuncture treatment group. Each group had 30 patients.
In the control group, the patients received mannitol and oxiracetam, which are essential when someone is trying to recover from paralysis. In the acupuncture group, the patients received both medications and acupuncture therapy. The average age of the patients was 53 years old. The average time from injury to treatment at the hospital was less than ten hours. The researchers then followed each patient and tracked his or her progress.
The Results of the Research Study
The team found that the addition of acupuncture therapy actually increases the total concentration of mannitol and oxiracetam following a head injury. Patients who received the combined treatment (of both medications and acupuncture) had improved outcomes when compared to the patients who did not receive acupuncture.
The scientists found that, with acupuncture, patients have a better chance of restoring limb motor function and improving their overall quality of life. They also found that, with acupuncture, overall inflammation throughout the body drops. This reduces the damage to someone’s neurological system following a head injury.
Future Directions
The results of this study show that acupuncture can be beneficial in the treatment of paralysis following a TBI. The results of this study should be replicated using more patients. If the results hold up, acupuncture might become a widely accepted treatment option following a head injury. This study provides hope to those who suffer motor function deficits after a traumatic brain injury.
Watch YouTube Video: Neuroacupuncture Treatment of Concussion and TBI. In the following video, Dr. Linda Hao discusses how patients who suffer from a traumatic brain injury can feel an improvement after receiving treatment of scalp acupuncture.
Sacramento Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer. Acupuncture treatment might be an effective option for someone who has suffered a brain injury. Individuals who suffer from neurological damage due to the negligence of another person or entity should call me at (800) 404-5400 and/or (916) 921-6400 to receive free, friendly advice.
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