OBJECTIVETo observe the effect difference between awn-like needle at Tiantu(CV 22) and filiform needle for dysphagia after cerebral infarction.

METHODSOne hundred patients were randomly assigned into an awn-like needle group and a filiform needle group,50 cases in each one. Based on the conventional western medicine for all the patients,awn-like needle was applied at Tiantu(CV 22) in the awn-like needle group;while acupuncture was used at Fengchi(GB 20),Shanglianquan(Extra),Shuigou(GV 26) and Tongli(HT 5) in the filiform needle group,combined with pricking at Jinjin(EX-HN 12), Yuye(EX-HN 13),posterior pharyngeal wall with three-edged needle method. All the treatment was given once a day for two weeks. Standard swallowing assessment scale(SSA) and modified Bathel index for daily life ability(MBI) were used and the efficacy was calculated after treatment.

RESULTSThe scores of SSA and MBI were improved after treatment in the two groups(all<0.01),and the results were better in the awn-like needle group than those in the filiform needle group(both<0.05). The cured and effective rate of the awn-like needle group was 56.0%(28/50), which was obviously better than 30.0%(15/50) of the filiform needle group(<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSBased on the conventional western treatment,awn-like needle and filiform needle can both improve dysphagia and daily life after cerebral infarction. But awn-like needle achieves better effect.