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Stroke Rehabilitation
 Scalp Acupuncture has been practiced since the 1960's in China. It was first developed by a Neurologist who was familiar with modern maps of the brain, which correlate with receptive and functional cortex zones that are well documented. The theory of scalp acupuncture states that stimulating areas of the scalp, which lie over hypofuctioning, atrophied, or injured brain tissue will increase blood flow, oxygenation and lead to improved function of those brain tissues. This has been shown to be correct with functional MRI studies. Improvement at first is temporary but with persistent treatments this improvement can become permanent. Long lasting improvement is thought to represent increased circulation that may imply the development of collateral circulation and perhaps neruogenisis.
In China scalp acupuncture is used in the treatment of many central nervous system diseases and protocols have been developed for diseases such as stroke, head trauma, cerebral palsy, encephalitis-meningitis sequale, Parkinson's, dementias, memory loss, cortical blindness, nerve deafness, and epilepsy.
Predicting prognosis regarding favorable response to scalp acupuncture includes cases in which the insult is more superficial and cortical, more recent, and more related to ischemia or infarct. Poor prognosis in response to scalp acupuncture is predicted in cases with a deeper more cerebellar insult, those with intracranial bleeding, post injury > 6 months, and chronic degenerative conditions.
Risks of Scalp Acupuncture and Body Acupuncture:
1. Infection at the needling site
2. Bleeding at the needling site
3. Nerve pain and injury to nerve.
4. Broken needle
5. Injury to internal organ
6. Fainting or needle reaction
By combining scalp and body acupuncture there is an enhanced effect. In example in R sided hemi paralysis with a flaccid presentation the scalp area over the L Motor cortex would be needled and points on the R side of the body, which lie close to major motor nerves, would be needled. I often use electrostimuation of these points. Many of these points are also known to improve muscular strength. Often in response to body acupuncture stimulation over the major motor nerves of the arm and leg we will see spontaneous muscular movement. This style of acupuncture using the scalp and body reconnects the communication between the injured cortex and the affected limbs. If the presentation is that of contracture the Motor and Motor Suppressor areas would both be stimulated.
In China it is widely recognized that scalp needle retention for up to 8 hours improves results as the patient can do exercise, and receive Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy treatments with the advantage of improved cortical circulation during the therapy. During my experience in scalp acupuncture treatments I have found retention of needles to be well tolerated.
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Recognizing a Stroke
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
1. Ask the individual to SMILE.
2. Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
3. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
"It is sunny out today"
If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn the three questions. They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting last February. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage.
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