The neuroprotective effect of electro-acupuncture on cognitive recovery for patients with mild traumatic brain injury: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Background:Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major health and socioeconomic problem that affects all societies. Consciousness disorder is a common complication after TBI while there is still no effective treatment currently. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on cognitive recovery for patients with mild TBI. Methods:A total of 83 patients with initial Glasgow coma scale score higher than 12 points were assigned into this study. Then patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: EA group and control group (group C). Patients in group EA received EA treatment at Neiguan and Shuigou for 2 weeks. At 0 minute before EA treatment (T-1), 0 minute after EA treatment (T-2), and 8 weeks after EA treatment (T-3), level of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha), and malondialdehyde were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The score of Montreal Cognitive Function Assessment (MoCA) and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) as well as cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) were detected at the same time. Results:Compared with the baseline at T-1, the level of NSE, GFAP, HIF-1 alpha, MDA, and rSO2 decreased, and the score of MoCA and MMSE increased in the 2 groups were significantly increased at T2-3 (P < .05). Compared with group C, the level of NSE, GFAP, HIF-1 alpha, MDA, and rSO2 decreased, and the score of MoCA and MMSE increased were significantly increased at T2-3 in group EA; the difference were statistically significant (P < .05). Conclusions:EA treatment could improve the cognitive recovery for patients with mild TBI and the potential mechanism may be related to improving cerebral hypoxia and alleviating brain injury.

Automated summary

This study investigated the protective effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on cognitive recovery in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). The results showed that compared with the control group, the EA treatment group had decreased levels of neuron-specific enolase, glial fibrillary acidic protein, hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha, and malondialdehyde, as well as increased scores on the Montreal Cognitive Function Assessment and mini-mental state examination. It was concluded that EA treatment could improve cognitive recovery in patients with mild TBI by improving cerebral hypoxia and alleviating brain injury.