Gao et al reported that acupuncture can be used as an alternative treatment to improve cognitive function and QoL of patients with ITN.
Methods
116 patients enrolled: acupuncture intervention group (n = 62) and sham control group (n = 54).
Measurements
Clinical pain, cognitive function, and quality of life (QoL) assessed with the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) , at the initial time of treatment, at the end of treatment, and 6 weeks after the treatment.
Findings
- pain intensity, headache, and generalized body pain significantly decreased both at the end of treatment and after 6 weeks of treatment compared with initial time
- the scores of the cognitive tests (Mini-Mental State Examination, Trail Making Test, Verbal Fluency Test, tracing score, and memory score) and five aspects of the SF-36 assessment (role emotional, general health, body pain, role physical, and mental health scores) significantly improved at the end of treatment compared with the initial time, and
- after 6 weeks of treatment, the Mini-Mental State Examination, memory score, and Trail Making Test-A score and four aspects of the SF-36 assessment (vitality, bodily pain, mental health, and role physical) significantly improved when compared with the end of treatment.