Acupuncture for thalamic pain after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture on thalamic pain after stroke. Methods: The self-established database was searched from 8 Chinese and English databases to June 2022, and the randomized controlled trials articles on the comparative treatment of thalamic pain after stroke with acupuncture were included. That visual analog scale, present pain intensity score, pain rating index, the total efficiency, and adverse reactions were mainly used to evaluate the outcomes. Results: A total of 11 papers were included. Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture appeared to be more effective than drugs for treatment of thalamic pain, as assessed by the visual analog scale [mean difference (MD) = −1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) (−1.20, −0.91), P < .00001], the present pain intensity score [MD = −0.27, 95% CI (−0.43, −0.11), P = .001], the pain rating index [MD = −1.02, 95% CI (−1.41, −0.63), P < .00001], and the total efficiency [risk ratio = 1.31, 95% CI (1.22,1.41), P < .00001]. Meta-analysis results show that there is no significant difference in safety between acupuncture and drug therapy [risk ratio = 0.50, 95% CI (0.30,0.84), P = .009]. Conclusion: Studies have shown that acupuncture in the treatment of thalamic pain is effective, and it does not prove to have a higher safety than drug treatment, therefore a large-scale multicenter randomized controlled trials study is needed to further prove.

Reducing Opioid Use in Patients With Chronic Pain

“…Meta-analysis showed in 11 trials that acupuncture seemed to be more effective than drugs for treatment of thalamic pain, as assessed by the VAS [mean difference (MD) = −1.06, 95% CI = −1.20 to −0.91, P < 0.00001], the present pain intensity score (MD = −0.27, 95% CI = −0.43 to −0.11, P = .001), the pain rating index (MD = −1.02, 95% CI = −1.41 to −0.63, P < 0.00001), and the total efficiency (RR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.22 to 1.41, P < 0.00001). 23 Other studies have shown that acupuncture may reduce spasticity and help aphasia in stroke victims. 24,25…”

Acupuncture: New Uses for an Ancient Treatment or a Waste of Time? Part II

“…Pain after thalamic stroke is a reality that has proven difficult to manage. Meta-analysis showed in 11 trials that acupuncture seemed to be more effective than drugs for treatment of thalamic pain, as assessed by the VAS [mean difference (MD) = −1.06, 95% CI = −1.20 to −0.91, P < 0.00001], the present pain intensity score (MD = −0.27, 95% CI = −0.43 to −0.11, P = .001), the pain rating index (MD = −1.02, 95% CI = −1.41 to −0.63, P < 0.00001), and the total efficiency (RR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.22 to 1.41, P < 0.00001) 23. Other studies have shown that acupuncture may reduce spasticity and help aphasia in stroke victims 24,25…”

Sleep disorders as both risk factors for, and a consequence of, stroke: A narrative review

“…A meta-analysis of sleep quality after stroke indicates that poor sleep quality affects 53% of stroke patients. 59 In 2020, a European task force of sleep and stroke researchers emphasized the necessity for clear guidelines to identify, adequately diagnose, and manage sleep disorders in stroke patients, prompting important investigations. 3 The Sleep-disordered breathing in transient ischemic attack (TIA)/Ischemic stroke and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment efficacy study conducted by Miano et al 60 reports severe changes of sleep architecture in individuals with stroke or transient ischemic attack, with sleep efficiency and REM sleep being affected the most.…”