OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy differences on delayed encephalopathy after carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP) between acupuncture to restore consciousness combined with hyperbaric oxygen treatment and simple hyperbaric oxygen treatment.

METHODSForty-one patients with DEACMP were randomly divided into an observation group (21 cases) and a control group (20 cases). In the observation group, acupuncture was applied at Neiguan (PC 6), Shuigou (GV 26), Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Fengchi (GB 20), Hegu (LI 4), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taichong (LR 3), and hyperbaric oxygen treatment was given as well. In the control group, simple hyperbaric oxygen treatment was used. The treatment was adopted once every day, and continuous 5 days' treatment made one session in the two groups. There were two days at the interval between two sessions and 6 sessions in the two groups. The changes of scores of mini mental state examination (MMSE) and Barthel index (BI) for activity of daily life and routine electroencephalogram (EEG) before and after treatment were compared.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the scores of MMSE and BI and EEG were all improved compared with those before treatment (all P<0.01). The raise of the scores of MMSE and BI in the observation group was more obvious than that in the control group (both P<0.05) and the improvement of EEG abnormal condition in the observation group was also superior to that in the control group after treatment (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture to restore consciousness combined with hyperbaric oxygen could obviously improve the cognitive function, activity of daily life and changes of EEG, and it is better than simple hyperbaric oxygen treatment.