The efficacy and cerebral hemodynamics mechanisms of acupuncture on the posterior circulation ischemic stroke with vertigo: study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial.

Researchers are conducting a major study to investigate whether acupuncture can help stroke patients who experience dizziness. This multicenter trial will involve 234 participants who suffered strokes affecting the back part of the brain (posterior circulation), which commonly causes persistent vertigo. The study will compare three treatment approaches: real acupuncture, fake (sham) acupuncture, and standard medication (betahistine). Participants receiving acupuncture will have treatments five times weekly for three weeks, with each session lasting 30 minutes. The researchers will measure dizziness severity and how much it interferes with daily life using standardized questionnaires. What makes this study particularly interesting is that researchers will also use advanced brain imaging techniques to understand how acupuncture might work. They'll use ultrasound to measure blood flow in brain arteries and special MRI scans to see blood circulation patterns in areas of the brain that control balance. The study's hypothesis is that acupuncture improves dizziness by increasing blood flow to the back of the brain and enhancing circulation in balance-related brain regions. This is still a study protocol, meaning results aren't yet available, but the research is designed to provide strong scientific evidence about whether acupuncture is safe and effective for post-stroke vertigo. If successful, this could offer stroke survivors a valuable treatment option for managing debilitating dizziness that often prevents them from participating fully in rehabilitation. If you're considering acupuncture for any condition, consult with a licensed acupuncturist trained in treating neurological conditions.

This multicenter RCT (n=234) investigates acupuncture's efficacy for posterior circulation ischemic stroke (PCIS) with vertigo and explores cerebral hemodynamics mechanisms. Participants will be randomized 1:1:1 to manual acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or betahistine (comparator). Acupuncture groups receive 15 sessions over 3 weeks (5x/week, 30 min/session). Primary outcome is Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) at baseline, Week 3, and Week 11; secondary outcomes include DARS, dizziness diaries, and adverse events. Mechanistic assessments include transcranial Doppler, structural MRI, and arterial spin labeling MRI at baseline and post-treatment. The study tests the hypothesis that acupuncture increases mean flow velocity and reduces resistance index in vertebrobasilar arteries, enhances regional cerebral perfusion in vestibular networks, and promotes structural changes supporting vestibular compensation. This protocol represents rigorous methodology for establishing both efficacy and biological mechanisms of acupuncture in post-stroke vertigo management. Results pending.