Abstract: Objective To evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture on clinical efficacy, changes of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and neuron specific enolase (NSE) in patients with acute cerebral infarction. Methods From January 2015 to June 2016, 96 patients with acute cerebral infarction were selected and randomly divided into control group (48 cases) and electroacupuncture group (48 cases). The control group was given routine treatment, and the electroacupuncture group was given acupuncture combined with scalp acupuncture and body acupuncture on the basis of routine treatment for two weeks. The clinical efficacy, NIHSS score, serum VEGF and NSE levels were evaluated in two groups of patients. Results After two weeks of treatment, the clinical effective rate was higher in electroacupuncture group than that of the control group (P＜0.05). After one week and two weeks of treatment, the NIHSS score and serum NSE level were significantly decreased in both groups of patients compared with those before treatment (P＜0.05). The NIHSS score and serum NSE level were lower in the electroacupuncture group than those in the control group (P＜0.05). After one week and two weeks of treatment, serum VEGF levels were significantly increased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P＜0.05). The serum VEGF level was higher in electroacupuncture group than that in control group (P＜0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture treatment can promote the regeneration of damaged blood vessels, repair neurons and improve clinical efficacy in patients with acute cerebral infarction, which shows definite clinical significance.

Key words: brain infarction, electroacupuncture, vascular endothelial growth factors, neuron specific enolase