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.