Acupuncture in migraine: long-term outcome and predicting factors

Twenty-six patients (19 women, 7 men), who suffered from chronic migraine according to IHS criteria, underwent acupuncture. In order to evaluate the long-term stability of treatment effects, patients documented frequency, duration, and intensity of attacks as well as analgesic intake in a migraine diary, which was kept for 5-week periods before treatment, immediately after treatment, and 3 years later. Data showed improvement greater than 33% for 18 patients (69%) at posttreatment and 15 patients (58%) at 3-year follow-up. Drug intake was reduced to 50% and did not re-increase until follow-up. Treatment outcome was associated with personality traits, but not depending on demographic data or severity of migraine.