Acupuncture
for Tinnitus
Investigate the effect of acupuncture
on brain perfusion using ethyl cysteinate dimer single-photon emission computed
tomography (99mTc-ECD SPECT) in patients with tinnitus. This randomized, single-blind, sham-control study examined
patients (18-60 years old) with normal hearing and chronic, idiopathic,
continuous tinnitus. Fifty-seven subjects were randomly assigned to true
(n = 30) or sham (n = 27) acupuncture (ACP); 99mTc-ECD SPECT
examinations were performed before and after 12 twice-weekly ACP sessions.
Secondary outcomes included changes in the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI),
Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS) and Beck Depression
Inventory (BDI). Imaging data were analysed using Statistical Parametric
Mapping (SPM8) software. Regression models were used to examine secondary
outcomes via two paradigms: intention-to-treat (ITT; where multiple imputations
were conducted because of study attrition) and complete cases. No between-group brain perfusion differences were observed.
However, a significant improvement in THI scores was observed at the end of
true ACP treatment for all domains (all p values < 0.01) except the
catastrophic scale.
ACP might reduce the effects of
tinnitus on daily life; however, additional studies should be conducted to
verify the effects of ACP on the neural architecture and brain function of
tinnitus patients.• Efficacy of acupuncture on brain perfusion and symptoms of
tinnitus patients. • Acupuncture improved the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory
scores in tinnitus patients. • No significant changes in brain perfusion were
observed after 12 twice-weekly sessions. • Perfusion changes would reflect
changes in neuronal function.
Source: Laureano MR,
et
al. The effectiveness of acupuncture
as a treatment for tinnitus: a randomized controlled trial using 99mTc-ECD
SPECT. Eur Radiol.
2016 Jan 8.
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