Abstract:

Objective To observe the effects of scalp acupuncture on cognitive impairments after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods 42 cases of TBI were randomized into experiment group (n=23) and control group (n=19). The control group accepted cognitive training and Donepezil, and the experiment group accepted scalp acupuncture in addition for 3 months. They were assessed with event related potential P300 and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) before, 1 and 3 months after treatment. Results The results of P300 and MoCA improved significantly 3 months after treatment (P<0.001) in both groups, and improved more in the experiment group than in the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion Scalp acupuncture could improve outcomes of cognitive impairments after TBI.

Key words: traumatic brain injury, cognitive function, scalp acupuncture, event related potential, Montreal Cognitive Assessment