Objective

2

To observe the clinical effect of prophylaxis on migraine without aura differentiated as liver

yang

hyperactivity undergoing acupuncture at the points selected using the "seven lines of the neck" method.

Methods

2

Fifty-eight patients with migraine without aura of liver

yang

hyperactivity at remission stage were randomly divided into an observation group (29 cases

3 cases dropped out) and a control group (29 cases

4 cases dropped out). In the observation group

acupuncture was delivered at Dazhui (GV 14)

Fengfu (GV 16)

bilateral Fengchi (GB 20)

Gongxue (Extra)

etc.

selected using the "seven lines of the neck" method. In the control group

conventional acupuncture was applied to

ashi

point

Sizhukong (TE 23)

Shuaigu (GB 8)

Taiyang (EX-HN 5) and others on the affected side. The treatment was given once every other day or every two days

3 interventions weekly

for consecutive 8 weeks. Before treatment

after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment

and after 4 weeks of treatment completion (follow-up visit)

the days of migraine episodes

the frequency of migraine episodes

the score of visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain intensity

and the score of migraine specific quality of life questionnaire (MSQ) were observed in the patients of the two groups. Before treatment and after 8 weeks of treatment

the score of TCM syndrome was observed. After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment and after 4 weeks of treatment completion (follow-up visit)

the response rates of 50% reduction in the days and the frequency of migraine episodes were calculated in the two groups.

Results

2

After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment and during follow-up visit

the days and the frequency of migraine episodes were decreased (

P

<

0.01) and VAS scores were declined (

P

<

0.01) when compared with those before treatment in the two groups. The days and the frequency of migraine episodes in the observation group were lower during the follow-up visit (

P

<

0.05) and VAS scores were lower after 8 weeks of treatment and during the follow-up visit (

P

<

0.05) when compared with those in the control group. After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment

and during follow-up visit

the scores of "role function-preventive" and "emotional function" of MSQ were increased in comparison with those before treatment in the observation group (

P

<

0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment and during the follow-up visit

the scores of "role function-restrictive" of MSQ were increased in comparison with those before treatment in the observa

tion group (

P

<

0.05)

and the scores of "role function-restrictive" "role function-preventive" and "emotional function" were higher when compared with those before treatment in the control group (

P

<

0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment

the scores of TCM syndrome were decreased in comparison with those before treatment in the two groups (

P

<

0.01). In the observation group

the response rate of 50% reduction in the days of migraine episodes after 8 weeks of treatment and that of the frequency of migraine episodes during the follow-up visit were higher than those of the control group (

P

<

0.05).

Conclusion

2

Acupuncture at the points selected using the "seven lines of the neck" method can reduce the days and frequency of migraine episodes and pain intensity

ameliorate the syndrome of TCM and improve the quality of life of the patients with migraine without aura of liver

yang

hyperactivity.