OBJECTIVETo observe the efficacy on cerebral infarction after acute serious cranial trauma treated with mild-hypothermia and acupuncture.

METHODSNinety cases were randomized into a mild-hypothermia group, an acupuncture group and a comprehensive therapy group, 30 cases in each one. The conventional basic medication and operation were applied to the patients in all of 3 groups. In the mild-hypothermia group, the tracheotomy, the assisted respiration by respirator and hypothermia with ice blanket were provided. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture for regaining consciousness was provided at Neiguan (PC 6), Shuigou (GV 26), Yintang (GV 29), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Jiquan (HT 1), etc. The acupoint prescription was modified according to the symptoms. In the comprehensive therapy group, the mild-hypothermia and acupuncture for regaining consciousness were used in combination. In 4 weeks of treatment, according to the neural function deficient scale (NDS), the efficacy was assessed. Barthel index was used to evaluate the activities of daily life (ADL).

RESULTSThe total effective rates of neurological deficits were 66.7% (20/30), 40.0% (12/30) and 90.0% (27/30) in the mild-hypothermia group, the acupuncture group and the comprehensive therapy group separately. The total effective rate of neurological deficits in the comprehensive therapy group was remarkably higher than that in either the mild-hypothermia group or the acupuncture group (both P < 0.05), that in the mild-hypothermia group was better than that in the acupuncture group (P < 0.05). After treatments, ADL score in each group was increased remarkably (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), those in the mild-hypothermia group and the comprehensive therapy group were increased much more apparently compared with that in the acupuncture group (both P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe comprehensive therapy of mild-hypothermia and acupuncture alleviates remarkably the neurological deficits in traumatic cerebral infarction and improves the activities of daily life. The efficacy of the mild-hypothermia combined with acupuncture is