Focusing on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology

the paper systematically reviews fMRI research on brain functional activity and structural abnormalities after ischemic stroke (IS)

and summarizes the regulatory effects of acupuncture on abnormal brain function and structure after IS. Studies have demonstrated that IS can induce the dysregulation of functional activity and microstructural damage in brain regions. Acupuncture

through bidirectional modulation of motor and related brain activities

can ameliorate abnormal brain functional patterns

promote the restoration of functional network coordination and balance

facilitate the remodeling of white matter microstructure and enhance neural pathway connectivity. Additionally

it exerts the positive effect on cerebral blood flow and metabolic status. Furthermore

fMRI demonstrates the potential value in identifying populations with specific responses

guiding acupoint selection and optimizing acupuncture parameters. However

existing researche has predominantly focus on motor dysfunction

with the insufficient attention to the other symptoms related to cognitive and swallowing functions. Besides

the methodological limitations are presented in the single analytical method and the lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials. Future research should advance large-sample

multicenter

sham-acupuncture controlled trials

integrate multimodal indexes and interdisciplinary approaches and deepen the mechanistic exploration of acupuncture effect on different symptoms and among subgroups in patients

so as to provide more robust scientific evidence for the clinical application and standardization of acupuncture in treatment of IS.