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A Novel Scalp Acupuncture-based Method to Target the Hand Motor Hotspot for Non-invasive Brain Stimulation
Published on: December 19, 2025
Distal Electroacupuncture Modulates Maladaptive Brainstem and Motor Cortex Plasticity to Alleviate Hemifacial Spasm
Sheng Li1, Wenting Li1, Jianpeng Huang1
1Acupuncture Research Team, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
Summary
Electroacupuncture (EA) effectively treats hemifacial spasm (HFS) by modulating brain plasticity. This peripheral nerve stimulation approach offers a promising neuromodulatory strategy for hyperkinetic movement disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is linked to maladaptive brain plasticity.
- The potential of modulating this plasticity to alleviate HFS symptoms is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) for HFS.
- To investigate the neuroplastic mechanisms underlying EA's effects in HFS patients.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial involving 84 HFS patients and 84 controls.
- Patients received 30 sessions of distal, local, or sham EA over 15 weeks.
- Clinical outcomes (Jankovic, Global Rating Scales) and physiological markers (LSR, SR, BR, MEPs) were measured.
Main Results:
- HFS patients showed baseline brainstem and motor cortex (M1) hyperexcitability.
- Low-frequency, low-intensity hand EA significantly improved clinical scores and suppressed LSR and BR amplitude.
- EA modulated M1 excitability and these benefits persisted for 6 months.
Conclusions:
- Distal low-frequency, low-intensity peripheral stimulation is effective for HFS.
- This approach modulates brainstem and M1 plasticity, offering a potential neuromodulatory strategy.
- EA shows promise for treating hyperkinetic movement disorders.
