Short-Term Effects of Acupuncture on Balance, and Quality of Life in Women With Migraine: A Pilot Study

Migraine is a highly prevalent neurological disorder characterized not only by recurrent headache attacks but also by associated symptoms such as dizziness, balance disturbances, and autonomic dysfunction. These vestibular comorbidities contribute to reduced functional capacity, higher risk of falls, and significantly diminished quality of life. Women of reproductive age are disproportionately affected, making this a critical population for targeted interventions. Conventional pharmacological treatments, while effective for some patients, are often associated with limitations including side effects, contraindications during pregnancy, and insufficient relief of vestibular symptoms. This underlines the need for safe, accessible, and integrative therapeutic approaches.

Acupuncture has gained increasing recognition as a complementary therapy for migraine. Previous clinical trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing headache frequency and intensity, as well as improving patient-reported quality of life. Proposed mechanisms include the modulation of central pain pathways, regulation of limbic and hypothalamic activity, activation of endogenous opioid release, and improvements in autonomic nervous system balance. However, relatively few studies have examined the effects of acupuncture on postural stability and vestibular-related outcomes in migraine populations, leaving a critical gap in the evidence base.

The current pilot clinical trial was designed to investigate the short-term effects of a standardized two-week acupuncture protocol on three domains:

Migraine pain intensity measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Postural stability assessed with stabilometric testing under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions.

Health-related quality of life assessed with the SF-36 questionnaire. The study enrolled adult women with neurologist-confirmed migraine accompanied by dizziness. Eligible participants received six acupuncture sessions over two weeks, targeting acupoints traditionally linked with migraine relief and vestibular regulation (GB7, GB14, GB20, GV20, LI4, LR3, and Yintang). Treatment was delivered by a licensed acupuncturist, with strict adherence to protocol fidelity and safety monitoring.