The Problem of Metal Needles in Acupuncture-fMRI Studies
Joint Authors
Schockert, Thomas
Beissner, Florian
Nöth, Ulrike
Source
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Issue
Vol. 2011, Issue 2011 (31 Dec. 2011), pp.1-5, 5 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2011-03-01
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
5
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Acupuncture is a therapy based on sensory stimulation of the human body by means of metal needles.
The exact underlying mechanisms of acupuncture have not been clarified so far.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has become an important tool in acupuncture research.
Standard acupuncture needles, which are made of ferromagnetic steel, however, are problematic in acupuncture-fMRI studies for several reasons, such as attraction by the scanner's magnetic field, significant image distortions and signal-dropouts, when positioned close to the head or even heating due to absorption of radio frequency (RF).
The aim of this study was to compare two novel types of acupuncture needles with a standard needle for their effect on MRI image quality.
The standard needle severely reduced image quality, when located inside the RF coil.
The nonferromagnetic metal needle may pose a risk due to RF heating, while the plastic needle has a significantly larger diameter.
In conclusion, our recommendations are: (1) standard needles should not be used in MRI; (2) Nonferromagnetic metal needles seem to be the best choice for acupoints outside of the transmitter coil; and (3) only plastic needles are suited for points inside the coil.
Laser acupuncture may be a safe alternative, too.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Beissner, Florian& Nöth, Ulrike& Schockert, Thomas. 2011. The Problem of Metal Needles in Acupuncture-fMRI Studies. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine،Vol. 2011, no. 2011, pp.1-5.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-499719
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Beissner, Florian…[et al.]. The Problem of Metal Needles in Acupuncture-fMRI Studies. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine No. 2011 (2011), pp.1-5.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-499719
American Medical Association (AMA)
Beissner, Florian& Nöth, Ulrike& Schockert, Thomas. The Problem of Metal Needles in Acupuncture-fMRI Studies. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2011. Vol. 2011, no. 2011, pp.1-5.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-499719
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-499719