OBJECTIVETo compare the effect difference for stroke between meridian-collateral diagnosis and therapy byand conventional acupuncture with syndrome differentiation.

METHODSTotally 148 patients were assigned into an observation group(72 cases) and a control group(76 cases) by random number table,with 10 cases dropping out in the observation group. In the observation group,meridians were examined and differentiated and then the treating meridians and acupoints were defined. Corresponding acupuncture was used according to them. In the control group,acupuncture was applied at acupoints by internal differentiation and experience. Treatment was given once a day and five times a week,with total 20 times. The motion function of limbs and coloboma degree of nerve function were assessed by Fugl-Meyer score and National Institutes of Health Stroke Score(NIHSS) before and after treatment as well as at three-month follow-up.

RESULTSAfter treatment,the Fugl-Meyer scores increased and the NIHSS scores decreased in the two groups compared with those before treatment(all<0.05). At follow-up three months after treatment,Fugl-Meyer score upgraded in the observation group (<0.05) and NIHSS score declined in the two groups (both<0.01) than those before treatment,and NIHSS scores were statistically different between the two groups(<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSMeridian-collateral diagnosis and therapy byhas better long-term efficacy when it is compared with conventional acupuncture with syndrome differentiation for motion function of limbs and nerve function of stroke.