This paper showed that acupuncture is safe and effective as a first-line migraine treatment when compared with a variety of pharmacologic interventions. ~ Dr. Broussard
March 24, 2021
Frontiers in Neurology
TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
- The authors of this randomized clinical trial compared 12 treatments of acupuncture with best pharmacologic management for the treatment of migraine headaches. They evaluated 69 patients who were randomized to receive acupuncture and 66 who were randomized to receive pharmacologic therapy (amitriptyline, beta blocker, topiramate, duloxetine, etc). Patients in both groups responded to treatment, with approximately 34% of patients experiencing a 50% reduction in headaches. Patients who underwent acupuncture had consistent headache improvements, and fewer patients discontinued the treatments compared with those receiving pharmacologic therapy.
- These data suggest that acupuncture is safe and effective as a first-line migraine treatment when compared with a variety of pharmacologic interventions.