Electroacupuncture reduces migraine days and attacks in menstrual-related migraine compared to sham electroacupuncture
This protocol describes a multicenter single-blinded RCT evaluating electroacupuncture for menstrual-related migraine. 120 participants will be randomized to electroacupuncture or sham electroacupuncture, receiving 18 sessions over 12 weeks. The primary outcome is change in migraine days and attacks during weeks 9-12 versus baseline.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Electroacupuncture reduces migraine days and attacks in menstrual-related migraine compared to sham electroacupuncture The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).
The Claim
Electroacupuncture reduces migraine days and attacks in menstrual-related migraine compared to sham electroacupuncture
This conclusion is most relevant to: 120 female participants with menstrual-related migraine (MRM).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Electroacupuncture for Menstrual-Related Migraine: Protocol for a Multicenter Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial. (Pain research & management, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Electroacupuncture stimulates specific acupoints
- ▸Modulates pain pathways and neuroendocrine function
- ▸May reduce cortical spreading depression and trigeminal activation
- ▸Result: Reduced migraine frequency and severity
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸120 female participants with menstrual-related migraine (MRM)
Recommended Dose
18 sessions of 30-minute electroacupuncture over 12 weeks
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Single-blinded design (participants blinded, but practitioners not)
- ▸Protocol paper only; no results yet reported
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary outcome of this trial?▼
The primary outcome is the change in migraine days and attacks during weeks 9-12 compared to baseline.
How many participants are included?▼
The trial plans to enroll 120 participants with menstrual-related migraine.
What is the control group?▼
The control group receives sham electroacupuncture, with the same treatment schedule but without actual electrical stimulation.
What secondary outcomes are measured?▼
Secondary outcomes include migraine days/attacks per 4 weeks, symptom characteristics, VAS pain scores, MIDAS disability, insomnia severity (ISI), anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), and emergency medication use.
References
- 1.Jiang S, Ye Q, Gu S, Li Q, Jin Q, Guo Z, Yin P, Liu L. “Electroacupuncture for Menstrual-Related Migraine: Protocol for a Multicenter Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial..” Pain research & management, 2026. PMID: 42473923 DOI: 10.1155/prm/2200276