Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for posterior circulation ischemic vertigo: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Posterior circulation ischemic vertigo (PCIV) is one of the most complaint symptoms in clinical, and is associated with high risk of recurrence. Current studies show that acupuncture has therapeutic effect on releasing symptom as well as improving the blood flow of posterior circulation. In this review, we aim to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for PCIV.

Methods: Literature of clinical randomized control trials regarding acupuncture for PCIV published before August of 2020 will be searched in databases, including 5 English databases and 4 Chinese databases. For the included studies, methodological quality will be assessed according to Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and evidence quality will be evaluated with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines. Data analysis will be performed using Review Manager Software.

Results: The primary outcomes involve changes of PCIV symptoms and blood flow velocity of vertebrobasilar. The secondary outcomes include Barthel Index, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, clinical effectiveness, and adverse reactions.

Conclusion: Based on current clinical studies, this systematic review and meta-analysis will provide evidence-based basis for the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treating PCIV.

Trial Registration: The protocol for this review has been registered in the INPLASY network (Registration number: INPLASY202070116).