Clinical Scorecard: Efficacy of Combining Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Electroacupuncture at Baliao Points in Treating Functional Constipation: A Retrospective Analysis

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• rTMS combined with EA significantly improved weekly complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) compared to EA alone.
• Significant improvements in Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) and quality of life metrics were observed.
• A large response (≥3 CSBMs/week increase) was more frequent in the combined treatment group.
• Adverse events were mild and comparable between both treatment groups.
• Findings are exploratory and require confirmation in randomized controlled trials.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Functional constipation diagnosed according to Rome IV criteria.

Management

• Consider combining rTMS with electroacupuncture for improved treatment outcomes in functional constipation.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Monitor weekly complete spontaneous bowel movements and symptom severity using PAC-SYM.

Risks

• Mild adverse events reported; no significant differences in adverse event rates between treatment groups.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients with functional constipation who have failed at least one prior conventional treatment.

Combination therapy may yield better outcomes than electroacupuncture alone.

Clinical Best Practices

• Utilize a multimodal approach targeting both central and peripheral mechanisms in treating functional constipation.
• Incorporate patient preferences in treatment decisions.

Related Resources & Content

• Functional Constipation Diagnosis and Treatment