Table 2.
Study Characteristics
| Methods | Design of Trial: Open-Label RCT |
|---|---|
| Frantisek Musil 20189 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 42/44 Condition: migraine with or without aura (ICHD-3) Demographics: age (years): TG:45.6±12.8, CG: 46.5±10.3; 88.37% female Setting: Czech Duration of migraine (years): TG:26.9±12.9 and CG:23.0±14.1 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: WL Acupuncture points: Ascending hyperactivity of liver yang: Fengchi, Taiyang, Shuai Gu. Optional acupuncture points (bilateral) by syndrome: Baihui, Xingjian, Taichong, Taixi, Xuanzhong, and Sanyinjiao; Deficiency of both Qi and blood: Hegu; Optional acupuncture points (bilateral) by syndrome: Baihui, Shang Xing, Zusanli, and Sanyinjiao; Wind phlegm blocking the meridians: Optional acupuncture points (bilateral) by syndrome:Feng Long, Zhongwan, and Yinlingquan;Blood stasis: Optional acupuncture points (bilateral) by syndrome: Sanyinjiao, Xuehai, and Ashi point Number of needles: 9–12 Depth of insertion: 10–30 mm Number of treatment sessions: 14 (25 minutes each, twice a week in the first 4 weeks, once a week during weeks 5–8 and once every 14 days during the last month) Duration: 12 weeks Follow-up: 6 months |
| Adverse event | One mild and common adverse event (Facial hematoma) resolved within 2 days without medication or medical help. |
| Kenan Tastan 201829 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 30/30/30 Condition:/ Demographics: age (years): 33.0 ± 6.9; 71.11% female Setting: Turkey Duration of migraine (years):/ |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: Hypnotherapy; Acetaminophen Acupuncture points: bilateral LI4, LU7, SI3, ST6, ST8, ST36, SP6, KI3, TE5, TE18, BL2, BL12, BL60, GB20, LR2, LR3, and Taiyang, and unilateral GV14, GV20, and Yintang points, also ear SheMen, ear hypothalamus, and ear antidepressant points Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion: 0.5 cun Number of treatment sessions: 10 (30 minutes each,3 times a week) Duration:/ Follow-up:/ |
| Adverse event | / |
| Zhengjie Li 201736 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 11/11/13/11/16 Condition: MWOA (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): 21.29; 77.42% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): VA1: 5.24, VA2: 5.74, VA3: 5.62, SA: 4.83, WL: 6.11 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: SA; WL Acupuncture points: VA1:Yanglingquan, Qiuxu and Waiguan. VA2:Xiyangguan, Diwuhui and Sanyangluo. VA3:Zusanli, Chongyang and Pianli Number of needles: 6 Depth of insertion: 5–15 mm Number of treatment sessions: 20 (20 minutes each, 5 times a week) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up:/ |
| Adverse event | / |
| Bahram Naderinabi 201753 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 50/50/50 Condition: CM (ICHD-3) Demographics: age (years): AG:37.2±7.3, BG:36.8±7.4, CG:37.6±7.4; 68% female Setting: Iran Duration of migraine (years): AG:10.3±5.5, BG:9.2±5.3, CG:9.1±3.9 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: botulinum toxin-A Acupuncture points: The acupuncture points used were mainly the GB41, GB 20, GB 15, GB14, GB10, GB8, LI 4, liver 3, Sanjiao 5, DU20, EX 2, Taiyang for individual migraine associated symptoms Number of needles: 10–12 Depth of insertion: 10–15 mm Number of treatment sessions: 30 (Once every 2 days) Duration: 2 months Follow-up: 3 months |
| Adverse event | The side effects of acupuncture treatment were only bleeding or subcutaneous hematoma formation and the adverse effects of botulinum toxin A included ptosis, facial masking or asymmetry. |
| Ling Zhao 20178 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 83/80/82 Condition: MWOA (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): 38.1±14.1; 77.14% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): 9.26 |
| Interventions | TG: Electro-acupuncture CG: SA; WL Acupuncture points: Acupuncture on 2 obligatory points, including GB20 and GB8. The 2 other points were chosen according to the syndrome differentiation of meridians in the headache region. The potential acupoints included SJ5, GB34, BL60, SI3, LI4, ST44, LR3, and GB40 Number of needles: 4 Depth of insertion: 0.3–1 cm Number of treatment sessions: 20 (30 min each, 5 times a week) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up: 20 weeks |
| Adverse event | Seven patients (5 in the RA group and 2 in the SA group) reported AEs during the 24 weeks. |
| Yanyi Wang 201519 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 11/11/13/11/16 Condition:/(ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG:41.6±14.9 CG:43.8±13.4; 74% female Setting: Australia Duration of migraine (years): TG: 18.4±12.7 CG:21.1±13.3 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: Superficial Needling at Nonacupoints Acupuncture points: Ascending hyperactivity of liver yang: Fengchi, Taiyang, Shuai Gu. Optional acupuncture points (bilateral) by syndrome:Baihui, Xingjian, Taichong, Taixi, Xuanzhong, and Sanyinjiao; Deficiency of both Qi and blood: Hegu; Optional acupuncture points (bilateral) by syndrome: Baihui, Shang Xing, Zusanli, and Sanyinjiao; Wind phlegm blocking the meridians: Optional acupuncture points (bilateral) by syndrome:Feng Long, Zhongwan, and Yinlingquan;Blood stasis: Optional acupuncture points (bilateral) by syndrome: Sanyinjiao, Xuehai, and Ashi point Number of needles: 9–12 Depth of insertion: 10–30 mm Number of treatment sessions: 16 (25 minutes each, twice per week for four weeks followed by once per week for another four weeks, then once every two weeks for four weeks, then once per month for another two months.) Duration: 20 weeks Follow-up: 1 year |
| Adverse event | / |
| Mehran Rezvani 201432 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 40/40 Condition:/(ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG:35.4 ± 9.5 CG:35.5 ±10; 68.75% female Setting: Iran Duration of migraine (years): TG:5.4 ± 4 CG:5.8 ± 3.6 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: Yamamoto new scalp acupuncture Acupuncture points: On the basis of clinical symptoms and traditional Chinese physical examination and diagnosis, several points from the LI4, ST8, ST36, BL2, GB14, TB5, GB8, tai yang, SI3, BL10, BL60, GB20, LIV3, KID1, DU20, si shen cong, LU7, SP6, LIV2, ST36, and REN6 acupuncture points were selected. Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion: 10–15 mm Number of treatment sessions: 18 (30 minutes each, 3 times a week) Duration: 8 weeks Follow-up: 4 weeks |
| Adverse event | / |
| Mingxiao Yang 201452 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 10/10/10 Condition: MWOA (ICHD) Demographics:/ Setting: China Duration of migraine (years):/ |
| Interventions | TG: Electro-acupuncture CG: SE; WL Acupuncture points: Luxi, San Yangluo, and Xi Yangguan Number of needles: 6 Depth of insertion: 15–30 mm Number of treatment sessions:/ Duration:/ Follow-up:/ |
| Adverse event | / |
| Ling Zhao 201451 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 40/40 Condition: MWOA (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG:33.35±11.69 CG: 33.23±9.73; 71.25% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG: 10.58±7.40 CG: 9.93±5.73 |
| Interventions | TG: Electro-acupuncture CG: SE Acupuncture points: Bilateral Waiguan, Fengchi, Yanglingquan, and Qiuxu Number of needles: 8 Depth of insertion: 25–35 mm Number of treatment sessions: 32 (30 minutes each, 4 times a week) Duration: 8 weeks Follow-up: 0 |
| Adverse event | One case in the RA group suffered acupuncture fainting during acupuncture treatment |
| Mohsen Foroughipour 201433 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 50/50 Condition: MWOA Demographics: age (years): 36.5; 59% female Setting: Iran Duration of migraine (years):/ |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: Superficial Needling at Nonacupoints Acupuncture points:/ Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions: 12 (30 minutes each, 3 times a week) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up: 4 months |
| Adverse event | / |
| E Facco 201356 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 50/50 Condition: MWOA (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG: 40 CG:34; 65.85% female Setting: Italy Duration of migraine (years): TG: 4 CG:4 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: Valproic acid Acupuncture points: For exogenous syndromes the following acupoints were used: GB20, St8 (directing the needle towards GB8), EX-HN5, plus GB8, BL12, BL60, in wind-cold syndrome, TE5 and GV14 in wind-heat syndrome, and St40, SP6 and CV12 in wind-dampness syndrome. The endogenous syndromes were hyperactivity of liver yang (a), obstruction of middle jiao due to damp-phlegm (b), deficiency of kidney essence (c), stagnation of qi and blood (d). The acupoint selection in these syndromes was the following: a) GB8,20,38 St8 (towards GB8), LR3,4, EX-HN5; b) St8 (towards GB8), St40, SP9, GV23 (towards GV20), CV12, EX-HN5; c) GB12,20, BL10,12,23 KI3; d) GB8,20, SP6,10, LR3, EX-HN5, plus ashi points on GB channel Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion: According to classical prescription for each acupoint Number of treatment sessions: 20 (30 minutes each, twice a week, with one-week rest between the two courses.) Duration: 11 weeks Follow-up: 6 months |
| Adverse event | No event |
| Jie Yang 201249 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 10/10/10 Condition: MWOA (ICHD) Demographics: age (years): 32.87 ± 8.71; 60% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years):/ |
| Interventions | TG: Electro-acupuncture CG: SE; WL Acupuncture points: Waiguan, Yang Lingquan, and Fengchi Number of needles: 6 Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions:/(30 minutes each) Duration:/ Follow-up:/ |
| Adverse event | / |
| Lin-Peng Wang 201239 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 75/75 Condition: Acute attack (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG: 37.8 ±10.6 CG:38.6 ± 12.6; 86.67% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years):/ |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: SA Acupuncture points: The obligatory points included Baihui, Shenting, Touwei, Shuaigu, and Fengchi. According to different syndromes, additional points could be chosen individually: Waiguan and Yanglingquan for Shaoyang headache (TE-GB); Hegu and Neiting for Yangming headache (LI-ST); Kunlun and Houxi for Taiyang headache (SI-BL); Taichong and Qiuxu for Jueyin headache (PC-LR); Neiguan for nausea and vomit ing; and Taichong for dysphoria and susceptibility to rage Number of needles: 10–12 Depth of insertion: 10–15 mm Number of treatment sessions: 1 (30 minutes each) Duration: 1 day Follow-up: 3 day |
| Adverse event | Seven patients (three in RA group, four in SA group) reported mild AE during the study period. |
| Ying Li 201212 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 121/119/118/118 Condition: Migraine with or without aura (ICHD) Demographics: age (years): 36.9±12.3; 82.77% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): 8.18 |
| Interventions | TG: Electro-acupuncture CG: SE Acupuncture points: Shaoyang-specific acupuncture: Waiguan, Yanglingquan, Qiuxu, Fengchi; Shaoyang- nonspecific acupuncture: Luxi, Sanyangluo, Xiyangguan, Diwuhui; Yangming-specific acupuncture: Touwei, Pianli, Zusanli, Chongyang Number of needles: 4 Depth of insertion: 0.3–2 cun Number of treatment sessions: 20 (30 minutes each, once per day for five consecutive days followed by a two-day break) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up: 3 months |
| Adverse event | 37 patients (7.8%) experienced 42 adverse events during the study period |
| Thomas-Martin Wallasch 201246 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 18/17 Condition:/(ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG:37.2±9.6 CG:39.3±11.7; 88.57% female Setting: Germany Duration of migraine (years): TG: 16.8±11.2 CG:18.5±10.9 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: SA Acupuncture points: Hegu, Zusanli, Waiguan, Zulinqi, Houxi, Shenmai, Baihui (DU20), Fengchi, Taiyang, Sizhukong, Taichong, Taixi Number of needles: 12 Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions: 8 (30 minutes each, once a week) Duration: 8 weeks Follow-up: 12 weeks |
| Adverse event | / |
| C-P Yang 201162 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 33/33 Condition: CM (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG:47.6±7.4 CG:48.1±6.4; 89.39% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG: 13.2±3.5 CG:13.5±4.5 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: topiramate Acupuncture points: bilateral Cuanzhu, Fengchi, Taiyang and midline Yintang Number of needles: 7 Depth of insertion: Standard to each point according to classic acupuncture point Number of treatment sessions: 24 (30 minutes each, twice a week) Duration: 12 weeks Follow-up: 0 |
| Adverse event | In the RA group, side effects were reported by 6% of the patients |
| Lin-Peng Wang 201131 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 70/70 Condition:/(ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG: 39.2 ± 10.9 CG:39.9 ± 13.1; 85% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years):/ |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture plus placebo medication CG: flunarizine plus SA Acupuncture points: The obligatory points included Baihui, Shenting, Benshen, Shuaigu, and Fengchi. Additional points were chosen individually depending on different syndromes: Waiguan and Yanglingquan for Shaoyang headache (TE-GB); Hegu and Neiting for Yangming headache (LI-ST); Kunlun and Houxi for Taiyang headache (SI-BL); Taichong and Qiuxu for Jueyin headache (PC-LR); Neiguan for nausea and vomiting, and Taichong for dysphoria and susceptibility to rage Number of needles: 10–12 Depth of insertion: 10–15 mm Number of treatment sessions: 12 (30 minutes each, 3 times a week) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up: 12 weeks |
| Adverse event | A total of 12 patients (5 in the acupuncture group, 7 in the control group) reported mild adverse effects during the study period. |
| Qin 201920 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 19/19 Condition: MWOA (ICHD-3) Demographics: age (years): 18–43; 62.5% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years):/ |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: SA Acupuncture points: Bilateral headache points, located at the midpoint of the anterior depression of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal joint of the dorsum of the foot Number of needles: 2 Depth of insertion: 25–40 mm Number of treatment sessions: 20 (Immediately release the needle when it reaches the sense of discharge and numbness, 5 times a week) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up: 4 weeks |
| Adverse event | / |
| Guan 201954 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 65/65/65 Condition: Migraine with or without aura (ICHD) Demographics: age (years): TG:45.98 ± 10.30 CG1:44.16 ± 9.82 CG2:46.44 ± 10.24; 68.89% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG: 0.80CG1:0.73 CG2: 0.84 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: flunarizine hydrochloride Acupuncture points: The obligatory points included Baihui, Sishencong, Benshen, Shenting. Additional points were chosen individually depending on different syndromes: Guanyuan, Qihai, Zusanli for deficiency of both Qi and blood; Fenglong, Yinlingquan, for Phlegm; Taichong, Xingjian for Liver Yang hyperactivity; Xuehai, Geshu forQi and blood stasis. Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions: 20 (30 minutes each) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up: 12weeks |
| Adverse event | / |
| Du 201965 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 33/34 Condition: Migraine with or without aura (the Chinese migraine diagnosis and treatment guidelines) Demographics: age (years): TG: 55.74±5.28 CG: 56.58±6.14; 47.76% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG: 12.68±9.25 CG: 13.54±8.83 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture+ traditional Chinese herbal medicine CG: Tongqiao Huoxue Tang Acupuncture points: Baihui, Touwei, Taiyang, Neiguan, Xuehai, Qihai, Xuanlu, Waiguan, Shuaigu, Zulinqi Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions: 21 (25–30 minutes each, Once a day) Duration: 3 weeks Follow-up: 0 |
| Adverse event | / |
| Hou 201957 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 40/40 Condition:/ Demographics: age (years): TG:45.01±1.89 CG:44.39±1.33; 57.5% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years):/ |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: flunarizine hydrochloride Acupuncture points: Baihui, Taiyang, Touwei, Sun, Zhengying, Zhongzhu, Xiaxi, Hegu and Taichong Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions: 14 (20 minutes each, Once a day) Duration: 2 weeks Follow-up: 0 |
| Adverse event | / |
| Shen 201938 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 35/35 Condition: CM (/) Demographics: age (years): TG;48.1±2.3 CG:48.3 ± 2.1; 45.71% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG:6.1±3.0 CG:6.4 ± 3.3 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: SA Acupuncture points: Qiuxu, Jiaosun, Yanglingquan Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions: 20 (30 minutes each, 5 times a week) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up: 0 |
| Adverse event | One case of hematoma occurred in the RA group, 2 cases of hematoma 2 cases of needle stagnation occurred in the SA group |
| Zhang 201959 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 24/24 Condition:/ Demographics: age (years): TG:36.85±3.47 CG:36.91±3.38; 60.42% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG;0.75±0.21 CG:0.81±0.19 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: ergotamine caffeine Acupuncture points: Bilateral Shuaigu, Touwei, Taiyang, Hegu, Zhongzhu, Taichong, Zulinqi, Qubin, Jiaosun, Baihui, Zusanli, Xuanzhong, Waiguan. Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions: 30 (20–30 minutes each, Once a day) Duration: 1 month Follow-up: 0 |
| Adverse event | / |
| Yu 201944 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 43/40 Condition:/(ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG:37. 17 ± 7. 68 CG:36. 81 ± 8. 02; 73.75% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG:2. 25 ± 1. 34 CG:2. 27 ± 1. 26 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: SA Acupuncture points: Jiaosun, Fengchi, Waiguan, Yanglingquan and Qiuxu Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions: 1 (30 minutes each) Duration: 1 day Follow-up: 24 h |
| Adverse event | 5 patients had adverse reactions, including 3 cases in the RA group (2 cases of fainting + 1 case of local bleeding), and 2 cases in the SA group (1 case of fainting + 1 case of local bleeding). Patients with fainting can recover after lying down and taking the needles out, and local bleeding is treated with local compression to stop bleeding. No serious adverse reactions occurred during the entire study. |
| Cheng 201926 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 60/60 Condition:/(the classification and diagnosis of headache disorders published in the Journal of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation) Demographics: age (years): TG: 37.8 ±10.6 CG:38.6 ± 12.6; 63.33% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG:3.44±1.03 CG:3.42±1.02 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture+ traditional Chinese herbal medicine CG: Banxia Baizhu Tianma Tang Acupuncture points: Tianyou, Tianrong, Yifeng, Fengchi, Tianding, Taiyang, Hegu, Shuaigu, Taichong Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion: 0.5–1.2 cun Number of treatment sessions: 20 (30 minutes each, 5 times a week) Duration: 1 month Follow-up: 0 |
| Adverse event | 0 |
| Wang 201861 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 40/40 Condition:/ Demographics: age (years): TG:35. 4±3. 5 CG:36. 4± 3. 2; 53.75% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG:0. 6±0. 2 CG:0. 5±0. 3 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: carbamazepine Acupuncture points: Shuaigu, Qubin, Tou wei, Jiaosun, Taiyang, Baihui, Hegu, Zusanli, Zhongzhu, Xuanzhong, Taichong, Waiguan, Zulinqi. Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions: 28 (20–30 minutes each. Once a day) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up: 0 |
| Adverse event | / |
| Peng 201855 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 32/30 Condition: MWOA (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG:32.84±8.51 CG:33.65±8.85;72.58% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG:4.44±2.86 CG:4.37±2.71 |
| Interventions | TG: Electroacupuncture CG: flunarizine hydrochloride Acupuncture points: Bilateral Qiuxu, Fengchi, Waiguan, Yanglingquan Number of needles: 8 Depth of insertion: 15–20 mm Number of treatment sessions: 12 (30 minutes each, 3 times a week) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up: 0 |
| Adverse event | / |
| Zhuo 201864 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 30/30 Condition:/ Demographics: age (years): TG:27.9±12.6 CG:29.4±13.5; 78.33% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years):/ |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture+ flunarizine hydrochloride CG: flunarizine hydrochloride Acupuncture points:/ Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions:/ Duration: 1 month Follow-up: 0 |
| Adverse event | / |
| Cong 201827 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 60/60 Condition:/(ICHD) Demographics: age (years): TG:43.5±2.53 CG:42.3±2.58; 55.83% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG:2.24±0.86 CG:2.21±0.79 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture+ flunarizine hydrochloride+ nimodipine CG: flunarizine hydrochloride, nimodipine Acupuncture points: Baihui, Taiyang, Shuaigu, Xuanlu, Touwei, Fengchi, Waiguan, Taichong, Zulinqi, Hegu, Sanyinjiao. Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions:/(30 minutes each, Once a day) Duration: 8 weeks Follow-up: 0 |
| Adverse event | In the treatment group, 1 case of dizziness and 2 cases of gastrointestinal reactions occurred; in the control group, 3 cases of dizziness, 5 cases of gastrointestinal reactions, and 1 case of arrhythmia, all improved without treatment |
| Ma 201834 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 89/89 Condition: MWOA with acute attack (ICHD-3) Demographics: age (years): TG:36.25 ± 4.29 CG:36.00 ± 3.89; 43.43% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG:3.14 ± 1.49 CG:3.41±1.23 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: Superficial Needling at Nonacupoints Acupuncture points: Baihui, Sishencong, Shenting, Yintang, Shuaigu, Quze, Ququan and Taichong Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion: 25 mm Number of treatment sessions: 12(30 minutes each, 3 times a week) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up: 0 |
| Adverse event | 0 |
| Xu 201835 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 30/30 Condition: Migraine with or without aura (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG:45.07±2.34 CG:50.80±1.89; 81.67% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG:10.93±1.45 CG:13.57±1.43 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: Superficial Needling at Nonacupoints Acupuncture points: Taiyang, Sizhukong, Jiaosun, Shougu, Fengchi, Waiguan, Zu Linwei (Bilaterally), A Shi point Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion: 10–40 mm Number of treatment sessions: 12 (20 minutes each, 2 times a week) Duration: 6 weeks Follow-up: 6 weeks |
| Adverse event | 0 |
| Yang 201858 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 21/21 Condition: Migraine with or without aura (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG:34.5±3.3 CG:31.4±2.8; 82.05% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years):/ |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: flunarizine hydrochloride Acupuncture points: Main points: Shuaigu, Touwei, Taiyang, Fengchi. Auxiliary points: Liver-yang hyperactivity plus Xingjian, Taichong; Phlegm turbidity upper disturbance plus Yinlingquan, Fenglong; Heat plus Xuanzhong, Waiguan, Quchi; Qi stagnation and blood stasis plus Geshu, Sanyinjiao, Xuehai; liver and kidney yin deficiency plus Sanyinjiao, Taixi. Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions:/(30 minutes each, 2–3 times a week) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up: 24 weeks |
| Adverse event | A total of 7 patients under the acupuncture group had minor subcutaneous bleeding, no hematoma, ecchymosis, etc. No serious adverse events occurred, only 1 person fell off due to their own reasons, and no subjects withdrew from the test due to adverse events; 9 patients in the drug group experienced adverse events Among them, 7 of them reduced the dose of medication, including 3 people with drowsiness, 2 with constipation, 1 with depression, and 1 with myalgia; 2 people withdrew from the trial due to intolerable adverse reactions (drowsiness). |
| Wang 201737 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 19/19 Condition: MWOA (ICHD-3) Demographics: age (years): 18–43; 52.63% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years):/ |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: SA Acupuncture points: Bilateral headache points, located at the midpoint of the anterior depression of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal joint of the dorsum of the foot Number of needles: 2 Depth of insertion: 25–40 mm Number of treatment sessions: 20 (Immediately release the needle when it reaches the sense of discharge and numbness, 5 times a week) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up: 4 weeks |
| Adverse event | / |
| Liang 201625 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 30/30 Condition: CM (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG:46.5 CG:44.5; 65% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years):/ |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: SA Acupuncture points: Bilateral Yanglingquan, Jiaosun, Qiuxu, Waiguan Number of needles: 8 Depth of insertion: 0.3–1.5 cun Number of treatment sessions: 20 (30 minutes each, 5 times a week) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up: 0 |
| Adverse event | / |
| Meng 201540 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 30/30 Condition: MWOA with acute attack (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG:32. 65 ± 12. 73 CG:30. 09 ± 13. 39; 66.67% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG:4.13 ± 3.38 CG:4.50 ± 4.05 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: SA Acupuncture points: Taiyang through Shuaigu and Toulinqi through Muchuang on the affected side, Bilateral Waiguan, Zhongzhu. Number of needles: 6 Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions: 20 (60 minutes each, 5 times a week) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up: 0 |
| Adverse event | / |
| Huang 201521 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 10/10 Condition: MWOA (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG:28 ±4 CG:29 ±5; 55% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG:3. 3 ±1. 2 CG:2. 8 ± 0. 9 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: SA Acupuncture points: Jiaosun, Waiguan, Yanglingquan, Qiuxu on the affected side Number of needles: 4 Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions: 10 (Once a day) Duration: 12 day Follow-up: 0 |
| Adverse event | / |
| Zhang 201550 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 55/55 Condition: MWOA (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG:24±3 CG:25±3; 52.73% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG: 4.2±3.5 CG: 3.7±3.1 |
| Interventions | TG: Electroacupuncture CG: SE Acupuncture points: Fengchi, Waiguan, Sugu, Yanglingquan Number of needles: 8 Depth of insertion: 13–40 mm Number of treatment sessions: 1 (30 minutes each) Duration: 1 day Follow-up: 8 hours |
| Adverse event | 0 |
| Yang 201447 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 30/30/30 Condition: Migraine with or without aura (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG:38.89±12.88 CG1:38.66±11.43 CG2:42.58±11.98; 53.33% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG:3.18±3.93 CG1:4.79±3.65 CG2:7.35±7.77 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: SA Acupuncture points: Bilateral Taiyang, Fengchi, Waiguan, Yanglingquan, Qiuxu Number of needles: 10 Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions: 1 (30 minutes each) Duration: 1 day Follow-up: 24 h |
| Adverse event | 0 |
| Chang 2013.08.0122 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 30/30 Condition: Migraine with or without aura (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG:27.4 CG:25; 57.63% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG:6 CG:5.6 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: SA Acupuncture points: Jiaosun, Waiguan, Yanglingquan, Qiuxu Number of needles: 8 Depth of insertion: 0.3–1.5 cun Number of treatment sessions:/(30 minutes each) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up: 0 |
| Adverse event | / |
| Zhang 201345 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 30/30 Condition: Migraine with or without aura (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG:28.83 ± 7.57 CG:26.86 ± 6.66; 57.63% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years):/ |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: SA Acupuncture points: Jiaosun, Waiguan, Yanglingquan, Qiuxu Number of needles: 8 Depth of insertion: 0.3–1.5 cun Number of treatment sessions: 20 (30 minutes each, 5 times a week) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up: 0 |
| Adverse event | / |
| Liu Mi 201342 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 30/30/30 Condition: Migraine with or without aura (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG:38.89±12.88 CG1:38.66±11.43 CG2:42.58±11.98; 52.5% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG:3.18±3.93 CG1:4.79±3.65 CG2:7.35±7.77 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: SA Acupuncture points: Bilateral Jiaosun, Fengchi, Waiguan, Yanglingquan, Qiuxu Number of needles: 10 Depth of insertion: 0.3–1.5 cun Number of treatment sessions: 1 (30 minutes) Duration: 1 day Follow-up: 24 h |
| Adverse event | / |
| Wang 201330 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 76 Condition: Migraine with or without aura (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): 38.2±9.5; 76.32% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): 18.2±9.5 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: bloodletting Acupuncture points: Local acupoint selection according to the meridian: Sizhukong, Sugu, Sun, Fengchi; remote acupoint selection (bilateral acupoints): Hegu, Lieqie, Taichong, Zu Linwei; internal medicine syndrome selection (bilateral acupoint selection): phlegm stasis plus Zhongwan, Fenglong, Yinlingquan, Xuehai, Geshu; Liver-yang hyperactivity plus Ganshu, Yanglingquan, Qiuxu, Taixi. Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion: 25–35 mm Number of treatment sessions: 1 (30 minutes) Duration: 1 day Follow-up: 24 h |
| Adverse event | / |
| Chang 2013.04.1023 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 30/29 Condition: Migraine with or without aura (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG;28.83±7.57 CG:26.86±6.66; 66.10% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG:3.71±2.24 CG:3.96±2.64 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: SA Acupuncture points: Bilateral Jiaosun, Waiguan, Yanglingquan, Qiuxu Number of needles: 8 Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions: 20 (30 minutes each, 5 times a week) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up: 1 months |
| Adverse event | / |
| Lin 201348 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 30/29 Condition: Migraine with or without aura (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years):/; 66.10% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years):/ |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: SA Acupuncture points: Bilateral Jiaosun, Waiguan, Yanglingquan, Qiuxu Number of needles: 8 Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions: 20 (30 minutes each, 5 times a week) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up: 1 month |
| Adverse event | / |
| Liu Zhao 201343 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 30/30/30 Condition: Acute attack (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG:38.89±12.88 CG1:38.66±11.43 CG2:42.58±11.98; 53.33% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG:3.18±3.93 CG1:4.79±3.6 CG2:7.35±7.77 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: SA Acupuncture points: Bilateral Jiaosun, Fengchi, Waiguan, Yanglingquan, Qiuxu Number of needles: 10 Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions: 1 (30 minutes) Duration: 1 day Follow-up: 24 h |
| Adverse event | 0 |
| Liu 201241 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 30/30 Condition: Acute attack (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG:38.89±12.88 CG1:38.66±11.43 CG2:42.58±11.98; 53.33% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG:3.18±3.93 CG1:4.79±3.6 CG2:7.35±7.77 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: SA Acupuncture points: Bilateral Jiaosun, Fengchi, Waiguan, Yanglingquan, Qiuxu Number of needles: 10 Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions: 1 (30 minutes) Duration: 1 day Follow-up: 24 h |
| Adverse event | 0 |
| Wu 201163 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 30/30 Condition: MWOA (ICHD-2) Demographics: age (years): TG:39.6 ±9.7 CG:39.1 ±10.2; 66.67% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG:16.2 ±7.9 CG:15.4 ±9.1 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: flunarizine hydrochloride Acupuncture points: A Shi, Baihui, Taiyang, Shuaigu, Fengchi, Benshen, Lieque Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion: 13–25 mm Number of treatment sessions: 24 (30 minutes each, 6 times a week) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up: 0 |
| Adverse event | / |
| Sheng 201024 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 40/40 Condition:/(1998 edition of the ICHD) Demographics: age (years): 37; 51.52% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years):/ |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture+ flunarizine hydrochloride CG: flunarizine hydrochloride Acupuncture points: Fengchi, Touwei, Taiyang, Ashi Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions: 28 (30 minutes each, Once a day) Duration: 4 weeks Follow-up: 0 |
| Adverse event | / |
| Geng 201060 | |
| Participants | Number of TG/CG: 30/30 Condition:/(1988 edition of the ICHD) Demographics: age (years): TG:13–68 CG:16–69; 55% female Setting: China Duration of migraine (years): TG:0.17–9.33 CG:0.25–11.75 |
| Interventions | TG: Acupuncture CG: nimodipine Acupuncture points: Fengfu, Fengchi, Taiyang, Laogong, Hegu, Zulinwei, Baihui Number of needles:/ Depth of insertion:/ Number of treatment sessions: 12 (30 minutes each, Once a day) Duration: 12 days Follow-up: 0 |
| Adverse event | / |
Abbreviations: TG, treatment group; CG, control group; RCT, randomized controlled trial; ICHD, international classification of headache disorders; MWOA, migraine without aura; VA, verum acupuncture; RA, true acupuncture; SA, sham acupuncture; WL, waiting list; CM, chronic migraine; AE, adverse event.