BMJ  2004;328 (27 March), doi:10.1136/bmj.328.7442.0-d

Acupuncture improves headache and saves money

Acupuncture is beneficial for chronic headache disorders, particularly migraine, and it is cheaper than other interventions. Vickers and colleagues (p 744) randomised 401 primary care patients with chronic headache to receive acupuncture or usual care. Headache scores were better after the intervention; patients used fewer medications, had better health, fewer days off sick, and fewer visits to their general practitioner. An economic evaluation by Wonderling and colleagues (p 747) shows that cost per quality adjusted life year gained was estimated at £9180, well below the £30 000 limit the NHS is willing to pay. Acupuncture improves quality of life at a small additional cost, conclude the authors, and expansion of existing services should be considered.

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