Abstract

The treatment of cerebral ischemia is a hotspot in medical research. The acupuncture treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular diseases has recognized by western countries because of its little side effect and remarkable efficacy. Although the acupuncture effect on cerebral ischemia has been confirmed clinically, its mechanism is still unclear. Positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), immunohistochemistry and other technologies have been applied in the study of the mechanism of acupuncture anti cerebral ischemia. However, poor resolution or invasion of these technologies limits their application in further study. It is suggested that optical imaging technologies, especially Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy, Near-infrared Spectroscopy and in vivo optical imaging system, could be utilized in the study of the mechanism of cerebral ischemia treated by acupuncture. It plays an important role in guiding the clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of cerebral ischemia.

© 2012 Optical Society of America