Resting-state fMRI correlates of acupuncture in migraine: a coordinate-based meta-analysis.

Acupuncture may help reduce migraine symptoms, but how it works is unclear. This study aimed to understand the brain changes after acupuncture treatment for migraines. Researchers looked at previous studies using resting-state fMRI. They focused on studies that measured brain activity before and after acupuncture. Thirteen studies with 312 patients were included in the analysis. The researchers used a method called Seed-based d Mapping with Permutation of Subject Images. They examined brain activity changes linked to acupuncture treatment. The analysis showed significant changes in brain regions associated with migraines. These findings suggest that acupuncture alters brain function in ways that may help with migraine prevention. Understanding these changes is essential for developing better treatments. Overall, acupuncture appears to have potential benefits for people suffering from migraines, with effects on brain activity that warrant further investigation. Clinical relevance: This study highlights how acupuncture may change brain activity in migraine patients, potentially guiding future treatment strategies for better migraine management.