Objective

2

To compare the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) at neuro-arterial stimulation points with topical western medication in treating post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS).

Methods

2

A total of 72 patients with post-stroke SHS were randomly assigned to an observation group (

n

=36

2 cases dropped out) and a control group (

n

=36

3 cases dropped out). Both groups received standard neurological treatment

comprehensive rehabilitation

and physical therapy. The observation group received EA at neuro-arterial stimulation points

including the ipsilateral stellate ganglion point

vagus nerve trunk and auricular branch (left side)

and stimulation points of the radial and ulnar arteries

radial nerve

ulnar nerve

and median nerve

once daily for 4 weeks. The control group was treated with topical diclofenac diethylami

ne emulgel

and mucopolysaccharide polysulfate cream was added for patients with pronounced early-stage edema

twice a day for 4 weeks. The VAS pain score and hand edema volume were recorded before treatment

at 2 and 4 weeks during treatment

and 2 weeks after treatment completion (follow-up). Musculoskeletal ultrasound was used to measure the thickness of the dorsal hand and middle finger skin on the affected side before and after 4 weeks of treatment.

Results

2

Compared before treatment

the VAS pain scores and edema volume of the affected hand in both groups were decreased at week 2

week 4

and follow-up (

P

<

0.05). At week 4

both groups showed lower VAS pain scores and edema volume than those at week 2 (

P

<

0.05); during follow-up

both VAS pain scores and edema volume were further reduced compared to those at week 4 (

P

<

0.05). At week 2

week 4

and follow-up

the VAS scores and edema volume of the affected hand in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (

P

<

0.05). Compared before treatment

the dorsal hand skin thickness and middle finger skin thickness on the affected side were decreased in both groups after 4 weeks of treatment (

P

<

0.05). Compared with the control group

the observation group showed thinner dorsal hand and middle finger skin thickness after 4 weeks of treatment (

P

<

0.05).

Conclusion

2

EA at neuro-arterial stimulation points effectively alleviates pain and edema in patients with post-stroke SHS

and demonstrates superior efficacy compared to topical western medication.