Combining TCM Sniffing Therapy with Electroacupuncture for Stroke Recovery

the Clinical Effect of TCM Sniffing Therapy Combined With Electroacupuncture in the Treatment of Cognitive Impairment After Stroke

This study is testing whether a combination of sniffing therapy and electroacupuncture can help stroke survivors with cognitive problems improve their thinking and memory skills.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 220 (estimated)
• Ages: N/A to 70 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Hangzhou Medical College (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Hangzhou, Zhejiang)
• Trial ID: NCT06313866 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sniffing therapy combined with electroacupuncture on patients experiencing cognitive impairment following a stroke. Participants are divided into five groups: a control group, an electroacupuncture group, a sniffing therapy group, a combined therapy group, and a sham group. All groups receive conventional drug treatment and supportive care, while the intervention groups receive specific therapies aimed at improving cognitive function. The study evaluates clinical efficacy using various cognitive and functional assessments after one month of treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are stroke patients under 70 years old with significant cognitive impairment and no history of mental illness.

Not a fit: Patients with transient ischemic attacks or subarachnoid hemorrhages may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance cognitive recovery in stroke patients, improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the combination of TCM therapies with electroacupuncture is innovative, similar approaches in other studies have shown promise in improving cognitive function post-stroke.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* (1) Stroke as per the TCM definition, presenting symptoms include unilateral paresis or paralysis, sensory deficits, speech impairment, and hemianopsia. PSCI diagnosis involves clinically significant deficits in at least one cognitive domain and severe disruption of instrumental ADLs/ADLs.; (2) The scores on the MMSE scale must adhere to the following criteria: Less than 17 points for individuals with illiteracy, less than 20 points for those with primary school education, and less than 24 points for individuals with a middle school education or higher.; (3) Aged under 70 years; (4) No history of mental illness, clear consciousness, stable vital signs, and able to complete the scale assessment; (5) Within 6 months post-stroke, diagnosed as a patient in the recovery period of cerebral infarction (or cerebral hemorrhage) at admission; (6) Signed informed consent by the patient or their family.

Exclusion Criteria:

* (1) Transient ischemic attack; (2) Subarachnoid hemorrhage; (3) History of severe liver or kidney diseases, mental illness, epilepsy, asthma, or obstructive pulmonary diseases; (4) Occurrence of cognitive impairment prior to stroke; (5) Severe communication barriers; (6) Substance abuse or heavy alcohol consumption; (7) Implanted cardiac pacemakers or other electronic devices.

Where this trial is running

Hangzhou, Zhejiang

• the Affiliated Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital to Hangzhou Medical College. — Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Xinyun Li, doctor — hangzhou medical colleage
• Study coordinator: Xinyun Dr LI, Doctor

Conditions Stroke