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Acupuncture for episodic tension-type headache: a multicentre randomized controlled trial.
A R White1, K L Resch, J C Chan
1Department of Complementary Medicine, School of Postgraduate Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, UK. A.R.White@exeter.ac.uk
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|December 29, 2000
Summary
This study found acupuncture did not significantly prevent episodic tension-type headaches compared to a sham procedure. Patient blinding was successful, but acupuncture showed no efficacy in reducing headache days.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Episodic tension-type headache is a common condition.
- Preventive treatments for tension-type headaches are sought.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture versus sham control for preventing episodic tension-type headaches.
Main Methods:
- A multicentre, randomized clinical trial involving 50 subjects.
- Participants received either brief acupuncture or a sham procedure.
- Follow-up was conducted for 3 months, with daily headache diaries.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in headache days between acupuncture and sham groups.
- Patient blinding was successfully maintained throughout the study.
- No statistically significant difference in any outcome measure was observed.
Conclusions:
- The study did not provide evidence supporting acupuncture's effectiveness for preventing episodic tension-type headaches.
- Acupuncture, as tested, was not found to be superior to a sham procedure.
- Further research may be needed to explore other acupuncture protocols or patient populations.