Clinical observation on scalp acupuncture for diffusion tensor imaging in cerebral palsy children with periventricular leukomalacia

Objective To observe the effect of Governor Vessel-unblocking and mind-refreshing needling technique on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in cerebral palsy (CP) children with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and investigate the underlying mechanism. Methods A total of 18 CP children with PVL received modern rehabilitation training and scalp acupuncture. The before-after study was conducted to compare the fractional anisotropy (FA) of the white matter fiber tracts, gross motor function measure (GMFM) score, Gesell developmental scale and changes in muscle tone. Results For the comparison before and after the first course of treatment, there were no statistical differences in DTI findings and FA values (both P >0.05); there were statistical differences in GMFM dimensions A and B (both P <0.05) and no statistical differences in dimensions C, D and E (all P >0.05); and there were statistical differences in six items of Gesell development test ( P <0.01 or P <0.05). For the comparison before and after two courses of treatment, there were statistical differences in DTI findings and FA values in 8 cases between before and after 30 and 60 treatments (both P <0.05); there were statistical differences in GMFM dimensions A, B and C between before and after 30 and 60 treatments and between 30 and 60 treatments (all P <0.05); there were no statistical differences in GMFM dimensions D and E (all P >0.05); and there were statistical differences in six items of Gesell developmental test between before, after 30 and 60 treatments and between 30 and 60 treatments ( P <0.05 or P <0.01). Conclusion The Governor Vessel-unblocking and mind-refreshing scalp acupuncture has no significant efficacy on the repair and regeneration of white matter fibers in children with PVL and CP in a short period of time; however, it gradually works along with the prolonged treatment time. In addition, it can improve the motor function and mental development and the efficacy is closely associated with the time of treatment.