Objective To observe the clinical effect of early acupuncture treatment of limb paralysis in patients with traumatic brain injury(TBI)and changes of serum interleukin-6(IL-6)

brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and nerve growth factor(NGF)levels

so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of TBI.Methods A total of 70 TBI inpatients were equally divided into a medication group and an acupuncture plus medication group according to a random number table. The medication contained intravenous drip of Mannitol Injection(125 mL

once every 8 h)and Oxiracetam Injection(4 g

once a day). Starting 72 h after TBI

acupuncture therapy was applied to main points as Fenglong(ST40)

Zusanli(ST36)

Guanyuan(CV4)

Baihui(GV20)

Shuigou(GV26)and Fengchi(GB20)

etc.The treatment was given once a day for total 28 days. Before and after the treatment

plasma IL-6

BDNF and NGF contents were detected using radioimmunoassay

the volume of the injured brain tissue was detected by using CT scan. The neurological deficit severity was evaluated by using Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS)

and the degree of activity of daily living(ADL)ability was assessed by using simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment(FMA)scale

and modified Barthel index(BI)

separately.Results After the treatment

the GCS score on day 28

FMA and ADL-BI scores on day 28 and 60 were significantly increased in both medication and acupuncture plus medication groups in comparison with their own pre-treatment(P<0. 05). The focal volume values of the injured brain were significantly decreased on day 14 and 28 in both groups compared with their own pre-treatment(P<0. 05). The therapeutic effect of acupuncture plus medication was obviously superior to that of simple medication in lowering focal injured volume on day 14 and 28

and in increasing FMA and ADL-BI scores on day 28 and 60(P<0. 05). Compared with pre-treatment

the levels of plasma IL-6 on day 3

7 and 14 were significant decreased

and those of plasma BDNF and NGF on day 3

7 and 14 considerably increased in both groups in comparison with their own pre-treatment(P<0. 05). The therapeutic effect of acupuncture plus medication was evidently superior to that of simple medication in lowering IL-6 on day 3 and 7

and in increasing BDNF and NGF levels on day 3

7 and 14(P<0. 05).Conclusion Early acupuncture treatment can significantly improve the TBI patient's limb motor function and daily life activities

which may be related with its effects in reducing the inflammation and increasing BDNF and NGF levels.