OBJECTIVETo compare the differences in the efficacy on speech and swallowing dysfunction of medulla oblongata palsy (MOP) after brainstem infarction between electroacupuncture at eight-neck-occiput points and routine acupoints.

METHODSSeventy-two patients were randomized into a neck-occiput points group and a meridian points group, 36 cases in each one. In the neck-occiput points group, the eight-neck-occiput points (Neck 1-4 points, Occiput 1-4 points) were selected. In the meridian points group, Lianquan (CV 23), Futu (LI 18), Tongli (HT 5), Hegu (LI 4) and the others were selected. Electroacupuncture was used in the two groups, dense-dispersion wave, retaining for 30 min. The treatment was given once a day, 5 treatments a week. Totally, 4 weeks were required. The symptom scores of speech and swallowing dysfunction were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. The efficacy was compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThe scores of speech and swallowing dysfunction were improved significantly after treatment in the two groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The results in the neck-occiput points group were better than those in the meridian points group (both P < 0.01). The curative rate of speech dysfunction was 30.6% (11/36) and that of swallowing dysfunction was 22.2% (8/ 36) in the neck-occiput points group, which were better than 11.1% (4/36) and 5.6% (2/36) in the meridian points group, respectively. The differences were significant in comparison of the two groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONElectroacupuncture at eight-neck-occiput points achieves a better efficacy on speech and swallowing dysfunction of MOP after brainstem infarction as compared with the routine acupoints. This therapy is characterized as more accurate point localization and safer operation.