Efficacy and Central Mechanisms of Electroacupuncture for Medication Overuse Headache

Summary

Acupuncture is commonly used for the prevention of migraine and tension-type headaches, and has been found to be effective in reducing both the frequency and severity of these conditions. However, studies on acupuncture for medication overuse headache (MOH) are limited, and current research has not been able to determine whether its efficacy is due to the actual therapeutic effects of acupuncture or psychological benefits. To address this issue, the investigators have designed a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture for MOH. In addition, the investigators will explore the regulatory effects of electroacupuncture on central mechanisms in MOH and conduct multi-omics analysis.

Conditions

• Medication Overuse Headache
• Electroacupuncture

Interventions

DEVICE

electroacupuncture

The supine position, the local skin of the acupoints was routinely sterilized, and the selected acupoints were pasted with Acupuncture auxiliary device. The main acupuncture points are DU20, bilateral EX-HN5, ST8, GB20, GB20, LI4, LR3, ST40. Select compatible acupoints based on the patient's accompanying symptoms: 1.Discomfort in the neck: EX-B2 of Cervical 3-4; 2.Emotional anxiety, depression or sleep disorders: GV29, HT7; 3.Stomach or abdominal discomfort: CV12, ST25 and CV6. The disposable acupuncture needles and the electronic acupuncture treatment instrument SDZ-V nerve and muscle intimulator both manufactured by Suzhou Medical Appliance Factory Co., Ltd., China.The specifications of acupuncture needles are Φ0.30×25mm, Φ0.30×40mm, Φ0.30×50mm. The needles will be inserted into the skin of acupuncture points and manipulated manually by using the techniques such as lifting, thrusting, and twirling, until the internal compound sensation known as deqi.

DEVICE

Sham electroacupuncture

The SEA group will use Hua Tuo brand disposable non-insertive sham control needles (Φ0.3mm×40mm) and the electronic acupuncture treatment instrument SDZ-V nerve and muscle intimulator both manufactured by Suzhou Medical Appliance Factory Co., Ltd., China. Sham points 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 are bilaterally located at the midpoints between the following pairs of acupoints: SP19 and EX-UE12, SP6 and LR5, EX-UE1 and HT1, and HT7 and SI8. sham LI4: Bilateral of midpoint between acupoint LI4 and LU9; sham LR3: Bilateral of midpoint between acupoint LR3 and ST44; sham ST40: Bilateral of midpoint between acupoint ST40 and GB35. Compatible acupoints: EX-B2 of Cervical 3-4 horizontal side by 0.5 cun; sham GV29: midpoint between acupoint GV29 and BL2. sham CV12: midpoint between acupoint CV12 and ST21; sham ST25: Bilateral of midpoint between acupoint ST25 and SP15; sham CV6: 3 cun lateral to the level of the CV6; The width of the interphalangeal joint of the patient's thumb was 1 "cun".

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Weiming Wang, Ph.D · Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

80 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-02-01

Primary Completion

2026-12-31

Completion

2027-06-30

Countries

• China

Study Locations