Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore the influence of cluster needling of scalp acupuncture combined with rehabilitation techniques on cognition dysfunction in patients with cerebral infarction.Methods60 patients with cerebral infarction following cognitive impairment were randomly divided into 3 groups: Group A (the cluster needling of scalp acupuncture), group B (cognition training) and group C (cluster needling of scalp acupuncture combined with cognition training). All groups received routine neuropathic treatment. All patients were assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) before and a month after treatment. The therapeutic effect was observed by change of P300 latency and solid contents of blood plasma cortisol a month after the treatment.ResultsThere was significant difference in the score of MMSE, P300 latency, and solid contents of blood plasma cortisol in 3 groups before and after the treatment(P<0.05). Compared to groups A and B, group C got a higher score of MMSE, shorter latency of P300 and lower solid contents of blood plasma cortisol (P＜0.01). ConclusionCluster needling of scalp acupuncture combined with cognition training may reduce solid contents of blood plasma cortisol and improve cognition function in patients with cerebral infarction.

Key words: cerebral infarction, cognitive dysfunction, cluster needling of scalp acupuncture, cognition training