Efficacy of Continuous Cerebral Function Monitoring Combined With Electroacupuncture in Evaluating Short-Term Neurological Improvements in Neonatal Brain Injury: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective To retrospectively evaluate the value of a multimodal assessment panel comprising continuous cerebral function monitoring (amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG)), MRI diffusion tensor imaging (FA value), and neonatal behavioral neurological assessment (NBNA) in assessing early treatment response to electroacupuncture (EA) therapy in neonates with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Methods A total of 100 neonates diagnosed with brain injury from May 2023 to April 2026 were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. They were divided into control group ( n = 50) receiving conventional supportive care and observation group ( n = 50) receiving conventional care plus EA (20 min daily for 14 days). aEEG score, NBNA score, and MRI fractional anisotropy (FA) were measured at baseline, posttreatment, and 3-month follow-up. Statistical analysis included independent t -test, chi-square test, and Pearson correlation. Results Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups (all P > 0.05). At posttreatment (day 14), the observation group showed significantly higher NBNA scores (36.9 ± 2.2 vs. 32.5 ± 2.3, P < 0.001), aEEG scores (7.9 ± 1.1 vs. 5.5 ± 1.2, P < 0.001), and MRI FA values (0.44 ± 0.05 vs. 0.35 ± 0.05, P < 0.001) compared to control. The improvements were sustained at 3-month follow-up (all P < 0.001). Conclusion The combination of EA with multimodal brain monitoring was associated with improvements in short-term and medium-term neurological outcomes in neonatal brain injury. The multimodal assessment panel of aEEG, NBNA, and MRI FA shows promise for early efficacy assessment, although prospective validation is warranted.