Research Progress and Mechanisms of Acupuncture Combined with Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of Cognitive Impairment after Stroke

Cognitive impairment is a common complication after stroke, which not only affects the rehabilitation process of patients but also increases the family and socio-economic burden. Finding an effective treatment for cognitive impairment after stroke is urgent. Acupuncture can effectively activate blood circulation, dredge collaterals, tonify qi and blood, and regulate yin and yang. It is an effective method for the treatment of cognitive impairment after stroke. Recent studies have shown that acupuncture combined with various modern rehabilitation techniques, such as transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, has better clinical effects than either acupuncture or rehabilitation therapy alone. This article reviews the clinical research and basic mechanisms in this field by searching Chinese and English literature from the past 20 years, aiming to provide research ideas for future studies on the combined treatment of post-stroke cognitive impairment and related mechanisms.