Can Acupuncture Benefit Surgical Patients With Haemorrhagic Stroke?

The investigators aim to recruit 60 patients over a 30 month period. Each patient will have six week of acupuncture treatment (either early within the first six week, or delayed after the first six week of observation and assessment of primary outcome).

Primary outcome measures:

Clinical outcome at the end of week 6 acupuncture treatment: Glasgow Outcome Score extended.

Secondary outcome measures:

Modified Rankin Score, Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score, Modified Aschoff Score, Neurocognitive State Examination (NCSE) score, Barthel index, Modified Rivermead Mobility Index (MRMI), Modified Functional Ambulation Category (MFAC) and motor scores of upper limb and lower limb with Fugl-Meyer Scale at the end of week six acupuncture treatment.

Patient inclusion Criteria:

• Patients after acute hemorrhagic stroke;
• Within the first month after acute presentation;
• Premorbid mobility level: Independent Indoor or Outdoor Walker;
• Co-operative and willing to comply with the rehabilitation program;

Patient exclusion Criteria:

• Cardiac Pacemaker;
• Patient who is apprehensive to acupuncture;
• Clotting abnormality;
• Poor local skin conditions.