my aunt had a stroke!

[packard]

Hi Guys,

just curious how a stroke is explained in chinese medical terms.

any thoughts or help appreciated.

In fact, whilst I am at it, what about lack of salivia or salivia glands not working.

thanks

P

[dwid]

Sorry to hear about it. A stroke is a tough thing to go through.

I can't speak to the TCM explanation. If you have some questions about Western Med, I might be able to help.

As far as salivary glands not functioning, a stroke happens when blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off, with some neuronal cell death resulting. Perhaps the part of the brain affected in your aunt's case was involved in salivation. Or perhaps, the body's reaction to the stroke was activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which would reduce salivation. Was this an immediate effect or has it been continual since the stroke.

[packard]

Thanks for the very quick response.

The salivia glands were not working before - so I think it is safe to assume the two are not connected.

Tough stuff to go through, seeing some one so strong last week, and this week so weak. I wondered what else I could do from a TCM perspective (or any other for that matter)

Thanks again

P

[dwid]

How's she doing so far? Do you know any details re: type of stroke, extent of damage, etc... These will ultimately have a big impact on outcome.

From a medical perspective, depending on the extent of the damage, she's probably in for a long rehab process. On the up side, they do some great work in rehab now, and there is hope for substantial improvement.

[herb ox]

Packard -

I'm really sorry to hear of your aunt's stroke. The non-functioning salivary glands are an interesting note. Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are a complex subject, whether from a Western or Eastern perspective. The TCM diagnosis would largely be based upon the residual effects, although in the acute stages it may be called acute wind-stroke. Treatment, of course, will vary depending upon the nature and severity of the signs and symptoms.

On a positive note, I've heard of some pretty incredible results from acupuncture... especially scalp acupuncture. So, seek a specialist in the field. Your local acupuncturist may be a good start, at least to help you find a specialist.

Good luck and prayers for a speedy and complete recovery.

herb ox

[Jacob]

Strokes in TCM are usually an end result of severe and chronic liver wind. Once the stroke has occured, the faster treatment is given to repair the damaged nerve tissue, the better. Some herbs which are useful for the after effects of strokes are: Jiang Can (especially where there is facial, or other paralysis), Tian Ma, Xie, Wu Gong, and Fang Feng. The cause of the wind should also be looked into (rising yang, yin deficiency, blood deficiency etc) and appropriate herbs combined with the chosen wind clearing herbs above, to make a complete prescription.

[packard]

Thank you for that very complete reply.

regards,

P