Acupuncture Shows Promise in Reducing Postconcussion Syndrome Symptoms

Recent research led by Dr. Zhuo-Nan Wang from Xi'an Jiaotong University in China has demonstrated significant potential for acupuncture as a treatment for postconcussion syndrome (PCS). The study, published in the journal Radiology on July 22, 2025, indicated that acupuncture reduced symptom severity by 34% immediately post-treatment and by 41% at six to twelve months follow-up, compared to control groups.

Postconcussion syndrome, which affects a substantial number of patients with mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), has diverse and challenging symptoms that complicate treatment. Current management strategies include analgesics, antidepressants, and physical therapy, which often prove ineffective or carry risks of adverse effects.

Dr. Wang's research involved 66 participants diagnosed with mTBI between August 2016 and September 2020, who were divided into three groups: an acupuncture group, a placebo group, and a waiting-list group. Each participant underwent 14 sessions of acupuncture over four weeks. The study found that those in the acupuncture group showed a significant reduction in their PCS scores (p = 0.002), while no significant changes were observed in the placebo or waiting-list groups (p = 0.05 for both). Additionally, MRI scans revealed decreased fractional anisotropy in brain regions associated with axonal injury in participants with mTBI at the follow-up, suggesting long-term benefits from acupuncture treatment.

The researchers pointed out that acupuncture might alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, pain, and sleep disturbances by modulating neurotransmitters and improving cerebral blood flow. This underscores the need for further investigation into nonpharmacologic treatments for PCS, especially given the low adverse effect profile of acupuncture.

Dr. Ponnada Aswadha Narayana, Professor Emeritus at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, commented on the findings, stating that this research could offer a compelling rationale for larger multicenter clinical trials in the future. If successful, such trials could position acupuncture as a transformative approach to managing mTBI and PCS.

As the medical community continues to seek effective treatments for PCS, acupuncture's emergence as a viable option provides hope for patients facing the challenges of recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries.

This study not only contributes to the growing body of literature supporting acupuncture but also emphasizes the importance of exploring alternative therapies in the field of neurology, particularly as traditional methods often fall short in efficacy.