Acupuncture Improves MRI Brain Microstructure with Postconcussion Symptoms in Mild TBI: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Integrative Medicine
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is common, but postconcussion syndrome (PCS) is heterogeneous, complicating treatment.
• Acupuncture presents a minimally invasive option with few adverse effects for mTBI management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess acupuncture's efficacy for acute PCS symptoms and long-term neurological deficits.
• To investigate acupuncture's impact on white matter integrity using MRI.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized controlled trial with verum acupuncture, sham acupuncture, and waiting-list control groups.
• 14 acupuncture sessions over 4 weeks; PCS assessed at baseline, post-therapy, and 6-12 month follow-up.
• MRI scans (including fractional anisotropy) obtained at baseline and post-therapy.

Main Results:

• Verum acupuncture significantly reduced PCS scores (P=.002), with sustained effects at 6-12 months (P<.001).
• Sham and waiting-list groups showed no significant PCS score reduction.
• Improvements in right posterior corona radiata fractional anisotropy correlated with sustained symptom relief (r=0.723, P<.001).

Conclusions:

• Acupuncture improved white matter integrity in mTBI patients.
• This structural improvement correlated with the relief of long-term postconcussion symptoms.