[Fire needling on dysphagia due to pseudobulbar palsy after stroke: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical effect of fire needling on dysphagia due to pseudobulbar paralysis after stroke and to compare the difference in clinical effect between fire needling and swallowing function rehabilitation training.

METHODS

A total of 76 patients with dysphagia due to pseudobulbar paralysis after stroke were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 38 cases in each group (1 case dropped out in the control group). The both groups were based on conventional western medication treatment. Fire needle pricking was exerted at Lianquan (CV 23), Fengchi (GB 20), Wangu (GB 12), Shuigou (GV 26), Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) without needle retaining every other day in the observation group. The control group was treated with the swallowing function rehabilitation training. In both groups, treatment for 2 weeks was as one course and 2 courses of treatment with 2-day interval were required. After treatment, swallowing scores of Fujishima Ichiro and swallow quality of life questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) scores were observed in both groups, and the clinical effect was compared. Follow-up of swallowing scores of Fujishima Ichiro in 4 weeks after treatment was completed to evaluate the clinical effect.

RESULTS

The clinical effective rates after treatment and follow-up were 92.1% (35/38) and 94.7% (36/38) in the observation group, higher than 75.7% (28/37) and 83.8% (31/37) in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the swallowing scores of Fujishima Ichiro and SWAL-QOL scores were increased in the two groups (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were higher than the control group (P<0.05). The swallowing scores of Fujishima Ichiro were increased during follow-up in the two groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Fire needling has a better effect than conventional rehabilitation training in the treatment of dysphagia due to pseudobulbar paralysis after stroke, which can obviously improve the swallowing function and quality of life in patients with dysphagia.