[Still no proof of the efficacy of acupuncture in the prevention of migraine].
Besides pharmacological treatments for migraine, alternative non-pharmacological treatment strategies might be effective. In 2001, a Cochrane review concluded that acupuncture might be effective in migraine. The authors of a recent large trial also claimed that acupuncture might reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. However, this study failed to provide a clear answer due to serious methodological short-comings, for example with respect to randomisation and the clinical relevance of the main findings. In another recent, large, randomised controlled trial, the efficacy of acupuncture was not significantly different from that of the sham procedure. In conclusion, acupuncture is probably not effective in the prevention of migraine.
Schoonman
G G
GG
Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, afd. Neurologie, K-05-Q, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden.
Wiendels
N J
NJ
Ferrari
M D
MD
D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome