Schmerz. 2002 Apr; 16(2): 114-20.

[Electric stimulation acupuncture in peripheral neuropathic pain syndromes. Clinical pilot study on analgesic effectiveness]

Irnich D, Winklmeier S, Beyer A, Peter K.

Schmerzambulanz, Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Klinikum Grosshadern der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany.

AIM: The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the potential value of acupuncture in the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain. Explorative analysis should provide data for further randomised controlled trials. METHOD: In an uncontrolled clinical trial electroacupuncture was given to 17 patients with chronic neuropathic pain of peripheral origin which was resistant to preceding pain therapy. Patients were treated twice weekly for 4 weeks. Assessment of outcome measurements comprised: Intensity of continuous pain (visual analogue scale, VAS), intensity of pain attacks (VAS), duration of pain attacks, number of pain attacks and changes in mood (VAS). All measures were evaluated by diary (1 week before treatment to 2 weeks after treatment and 1 week at follow up three months after treatment). Changes of global complaints and patients' beliefs in treatment (credibility assessment) were also assessed. RESULTS: At re-evaluation two weeks after treatment, mean continuous pain was reduced by 32.9% and intensity of pain attacks was reduced by 59%. Mean number of daily pain attacks decreased from 4.2 (SD +/- 4.6, 0.14-13.3) before treatment to 2.2 (SD +/- 3.8, 0-7.5) two weeks after treatment. Duration of pain attacks and mood showed no substantial changes. Three months after treatment, continuous pain was reduced by 15.9% and intensity of pain attacks was reduced by 44% compared to baseline. No serious adverse events were observed CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this small pilot study, trial treatment by electroacupuncture seems to be justified in these patients given a lack of success of standard treatments. The apparent beneficial analgesic effects of electroacupuncture appear to warrant further investigation.