The Effect of Acupuncture on the Quality of Life in Patients With Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Author: Jiang Y1, Bai P1, Chen H2, Zhang XY1, Tang XY1, Chen HQ1, Hu YY1, Wang XL1, Li XY1, Li YP3, Tian GH1
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China. <sup>2</sup>The Second Clinical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China. <sup>3</sup>Chinese Cochrane Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Conference/Journal: Front Pharmacol.
Date published: 2018 Oct 26
Other: Volume ID: 9 , Pages: 1190 , Special Notes: doi: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01190. eCollection 2018. , Word Count: 172


Background: Acupuncture is frequently used as an efficient method to prevent and treat migraines. However, its effect on the quality of life remains controversial. Methods: Seven databases, such as PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched to retrieve reference lists of eligible trials and related reviews. Randomized controlled trials that were published in Chinese and English were included. Results: Acupuncture resulted in lower Visual Analog Scale scores than the medication group at 1 month after treatment (MD -1.22, 95%CI -1.57 to -0.87; low quality) and 1-3 months after treatment (MD -1.81, 95%CI -3.42 to -0.20; low quality). Compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture resulted in lower Visual Analog Scale scores at 1 month after treatment (MD -1.56, 95%CI -2.21 to -0.92; low quality). Conclusion: Acupuncture exhibits certain efficacy both in the treatment and prevention of migraines, which is superior to no treatment, sham acupuncture and medication. Further, acupuncture enhanced the quality of life more than did medication.

KEYWORDS: acupuncture; adverse events; efficacy and safety; meta-analysis; migraine; quality of life; systematic review

PMID: 30416444 PMCID: PMC6212461 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01190