Acupuncture for acute stroke: a retrospective analysis with prospective data collection in Stroke Registry In Chang Gung Healthcare System (SRICHS)

1. Acupuncture rationale: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Reasoning for treatment provided is based on historical context and patient’s clinical condition. 2. Details of needling: 2a) Number of needle insertions per subject per session: 2-4, bilateral and symmetrical 2b) Depth of insertion, based on a specified unit of measurement, or on a particular tissue level: scalp acupuncture-1 to 1.2 inch, extremities: 0.2 to 0.4 inch 2c) Response sought: de qi 2d) Needle stimulation: after manual insertion of needle, no further needle stimulation 2e) Needle retention time: 30min 2f) Needle type: diameter-#30, length-1.5-inch, manufacturer-Ching Ming Medical Device, material-stainless steel 3. Treatment regimen: 3a) Number of treatment sessions: until patient’s condition became stable and discharge from Neurology ward 3b) Frequency and duration of treatment sessions: the frequency was three times a week, and the duration of treatment session was 30min 3c) The overall duration of the observation: The participants will be observed throughout their hospital stay and the course of their treatments up until 3 months after their condition has become stable and they have been discharged from the Neurology ward 4. Other components of treatment: Details of other interventions administered to the acupuncture group: routine rehabilitation program if patients tolerable. No moxibustion, no cupping, no herbs. 5. Practitioner background: A fixed qualified professional senior practitioner, with more than a decade of experience.