Background: Approximately 2-15% of the global population suffers from migraine headaches. Since acupuncture is one of the treatments for this disorder, the aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of this modality on patients with migraine.
Methods: In this experimental interventional study, we enrolled 180 patients with migraine headache attacks at a documented frequency of at least 2 attacks during last 6 months. For all patients, the number, duration and intensity of the headaches were recorded before treatment. To treat the patients, the point with maximal pain was first determined and the meridian was distinguished. Then, the related acupoints were found and stimulated by percutaneous electrical acupuncture for several minutes. The procedure was repeated once per week for six weeks. After completion of all treatment sessions, the patients were visited and questioned about the number, duration and the intensity of headaches.
Results: The mean of number of attacks (9.55±8.26 vs. 3.50±6.77, p=0.001), the mean duration of each attack (9.11±6.59 vs. 3.33±3.65, p=0.001) and the intensity of the attacks (1.83±0.38 vs. 0.61±0.78, p=0.001) were significantly lower after treatment.
Conclusion: Application of acupuncture in patients with migraine headaches is associated with a significant decrease in the mean number, duration and intensity of attacks. Thus, this method of treatment is strongly recommended for migraine headache.