Clinical study on treatment of post-apoplectic limb spasm by puncturing acupoints of Governor Vessel

Objective: To investigate the clinical significance of treating post-apoplectic limb spasm by puncturing the acupoints of Governor Vessel as a main therapy. Methods: Twentynine patients with post-apoplectic limb spasm were treated by puncturing the acupoints of Governor Vessel plus the acupoints adjacent to joints, together with another 29 patients treated by conventional acupoints for comparison of the curative effects. Results: Before treatment, there was no significant difference in Ashoworth limb tension score and Fugl-Meyer motor function score between the two groups of patients (P>0.05). After treatment, there was significant difference in tension score between the two groups (P<0.05). Motor function score significantly increased as compared with that before the treatment in both groups (P<0.01), but limb motor function improved more obviously in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: To puncture the acupoints of Governor Vessel as a main therapy can significantly improve the curative effect in the treatment of post-apoplectic limb spasm than conventional acupuncture method. Author: ZHANG Wen-dong (1963-), male, junior consultant doctor, a master Translator: HUANG Guo-qi ({ie29-1})