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Incidence of adverse effects during acupuncture therapy-a multicentre survey
G Ernst1, H Strzyz, H Hagmeister
1Kongsberg Sykehus, Anestesi, Smerte-og Palliativseksjon, Kongsberg, Norway. gernot.ernst@ks.ble.no
Introduction:
Acupuncture is frequently used to treat chronic pain syndromes or other chronic diseases. Several hundred reports have been published of life-threatening adverse events after acupuncture. The aim of our study was to assess the adverse effects of acupuncture during a normal treatment routine.
Methods:
Thirteen general practitioners and outpatient clinics and 16 other practitioners were included in a questionnaire survey in Germany. Patient gender and age, indications for and method of treatment, and adverse effects were documented by the therapists.
Results:
Four hundred and nine patients receiving 3535 acupuncture treatment were included. Adverse effects were observed in 402 treatments (11.4%) in 153 different patients. The main side effects were slight haemorrhage (2.9%), haematoma (2.2%), dizziness (1%) and other systemic symptoms (2.7%). Other side effects mentioned (all below 1%) were fainting, nausea, prolonged DeQi effect (paraesthesia) and increase of pain. In one case, aphasia was reported lasting 1h after acupuncture.
Conclusion:
Acupuncture has adverse effects, like any therapeutic approach. If it is used according to established safety rules and carefully at appropriate anatomic regions, it is a safe treatment method.