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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.

Last updated: Jul 24, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Electroacupuncture for Menstrual-Related Migraine: Protocol for a Multicenter Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

observational

Jiang S, Ye Q, Gu S, Li Q, Jin Q, Guo Z, Yin P, Liu L · Pain research & management (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 12 weeks treatment, 24 weeks total follow-up
Intervention: Electroacupuncture (30-min sessions, 6 sessions every 4 weeks for 12 consecutive weeks, total 18 sessions)
Outcome: Migraine days and attacks during Weeks 9-12 vs. baseline; secondary outcomes include migraine days/attacks per 4 weeks, symptom characteristics, VAS, MIDAS, ISI, GAD-7, PHQ-9, treatment response rate, and emergency drug use
Effect Size: N/A
Population: 120 female participants with menstrual-related migraine (MRM)

Result:

PubMed: 42473923DOI: 10.1155/prm/2200276

Mechanism Graph

Electroacupuncture stimulates specific acupoints
↓
Modulates pain pathways and neuroendocrine function
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May reduce cortical spreading depression and trigeminal activation
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Result: Reduced migraine frequency and severity

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

Products

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.