Translational Research Examining Acupuncture Treatment in Traumatic Brain Injury
Condition: Traumatic Brain Injury
MeSH terms: Brain Injuries; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Wounds and Injuries
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of acupuncture on cerebral blood flow
      (CBF) and blood biomarkers during the acute 10-day window following traumatic brain injury,
      to determine if those changes correlate with changes in biomarkers of brain health,
      neuropsychological testing, and symptomatic presentation.
    

Detailed description: 
      The primary aim of this study is to examine the effects of acupuncture on brain function and
      cognition during the acute 10-day window following mild traumatic brain injury.

      Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) affect an estimated 1.7 to 2.3 million Americans every year.
      As the clinical importance of managing those with TBI grows, it is essential that therapies
      to help in the recovery and management of post-concussion symptoms are identified. Currently,
      the number one recommended treatment strategy is physical and cognitive rest, followed by
      gradual return to daily activities and exercise.

      Cerebral blood flow declines following TBI, and can remain in a depressed state for ongoing
      lengths of time. The cellular vulnerability and symptomatic presentation following TBI is
      likely due to the metabolic imbalance between decreased cerebral blood flow and increased
      demand for glucose and adenosine triphosphate production. Animal and human studies have shown
      that acupuncture at locations both locally on the head and neck, as well as distally on the
      arms, hands, legs, and feet, can increase cerebral blood flow through the left (L) and right
      (R) middle cerebral artery (MCA), internal carotid artery (ICA), and basilar artery (BA).

      Acupuncture has a long history of use in the treatment of acute and chronic pain, headaches,
      migraines, nausea, anxiety, and sleep disorders, however, studies specific to the utilization
      of acupuncture in managing symptoms following TBI are lacking.

      The investigators hypothesize that that acupuncture treatments may improve cerebral blood
      flow resulting in overall improvements in brain function and cognition following TBI.
      Acupuncture may provide a safe treatment to improve outcomes following a TBI, and increase
      the rate of recovery.
    

Intervention name(s): Acupuncture; Sham Acupuncture
Intervention type(s): Device; Device
Intervention description(s): An acupuncture needle is a device intended to pierce the skin in the practice of acupuncture. The device consists of a solid, stainless steel needle. The device may have a handle attached to the needle to facilitate the delivery of acupuncture treatment.; Sham acupuncture will be performed at the same locations as verum acupuncture. Streitberger sham acupuncture needles look like real acupuncture needles, and appear as though the skin is being penetrated during the insertion technique, however they do not pierce the skin.
Other intervention name(s): Streitberger Needle
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Participant)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: traumatic brain injury; acupuncture; transcranial doppler ultrasound