Randomized Clinical Trial for the Treatment of Post-Dural Puncture Headache With Acupuncture; [Ensayo Clinico Aleatorizado Para El Tratamiento Del Dolor De Cabeza Por Puncion Postural Con Acupuntura] Publisher



Esmaeili S^{1, 2, 3} ; Aghsaeifard Z⁴ ; Alizadeh R⁵ Show Affiliations
Source: Revista Internacional de Acupuntura Published:2021

Abstract

Introduction: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is common among patients undergoing surgical procedures with spinal anesthesia. Conservative therapy might be associated with poor outcomes and delayed recovery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on post-dural puncture headache in comparison to conservative treatment. Method: In this single-blind randomized clinical trial 60 PDPH patients were divided into three groups. Group A received conservative pharmacological treatment, group B received acupuncture and group C received acupuncture sham. Outcomes were measured as pain intensity (visual analog scale VAS) and recovery time (time that pain falls from 4–7 to 0–3 on visual analog scale). Results: All three groups had no significant difference in terms of gender, age, and baseline pain (immediately after the surgery). Pain intensity decreased significantly in acupuncture group comparing to other groups. Furthermore, acupuncture reduced pain faster than other treatments. The overall general condition of the patients in group A and B was not significantly different, however significantly improved compared to group C. Conclusion: Acupuncture therapy can be an effective method to manage PDPH in a shorter time and can reduce the need for epidural blood patch and pharmacological analgesia. However, further randomized trails are required to validate these findings. © 2020 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U.