Fu's Subcutaneous Needling treatment for migraine without aura: a randomized controlled trial protocol.

Researchers are studying a newer acupuncture technique called Fu's Subcutaneous Needling (FSN) to see if it can help people who suffer from migraines without aura. This study is important because while FSN has shown promise for pain relief, no one has properly tested whether it works for migraines specifically. The research team is comparing FSN treatments against a commonly prescribed migraine medication called flunarizine hydrochloride. In this study, 44 migraine patients are being randomly divided into two groups. Half receive FSN treatment twice a week for four weeks, while the other half take the medication daily for the same period. Both groups are then monitored for three months afterward. Researchers are tracking how many migraine days patients experience each month, along with their quality of life, disability levels, and pain intensity. They're also using special imaging technology to see how FSN affects blood flow in the brain, which may help explain how the treatment works. This is a study protocol, meaning the researchers are describing what they plan to do rather than reporting final results. When completed, this research could provide important evidence about whether FSN is an effective alternative or complement to medication for migraine sufferers. The findings may be particularly valuable for patients seeking non-pharmaceutical options for managing their migraines. If you're interested in acupuncture for migraines, consult with a licensed acupuncturist trained in appropriate techniques.

This randomized controlled trial protocol evaluates Fu's Subcutaneous Needling (FSN) efficacy for migraine without aura (MWoA) compared to guideline-recommended pharmacotherapy. The study will enroll 44 participants randomized 1:1 to receive either FSN treatment (twice weekly for 4 weeks) or oral flunarizine hydrochloride (5mg nightly for 4 weeks), with 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome measure is change in monthly migraine days (MMDs) from baseline to week 4. Secondary outcomes include Migraine-Specific Quality of Life (MSQOL), MIDAS, VAS scores, and headache diary records. Notably, the study incorporates near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to assess hemodynamic changes in the prefrontal cortex, potentially elucidating FSN's mechanism of action. While FSN has demonstrated efficacy in pain management, this represents the first systematic validation for MWoA. Clinical takeaway: This protocol addresses an evidence gap for FSN in migraine management, with results potentially supporting its use as an alternative to pharmacotherapy.