In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), stroke is categorized according to whether the patient presents with a closed pattern (excess) or a collapse/prolapse pattern (deficiency) during the acute phase. Treatment priorities include opening the orifices, restoring consciousness, extinguishing internal wind, resolving phlegm, supporting Qi, and promoting blood circulation. Long-term treatment focuses on recovery of motor function, speech, and urinary control.

Cerebral Hemorrhage

Yang Closure Pattern

Common Signs

• Both fists tightly clenched

• Heavy breathing

• Loud sputum sounds resembling sawing

• No urination

• No bowel movement

• Red complexion

• Lockjaw

• Sudden loss of consciousness

Treatment Principle

Open the orifices, restore consciousness, extinguish wind, and settle rising Yang.

Traditional Formula

Emergency Measures

• Kai-Guan-San (to open lockjaw)

• Zhi-Bao-Dan

Follow-up Formula

• Zhen-Gan-Xi-Feng-Tang

Yin Closure Pattern

Common Signs

• Both fists tightly clenched

• Cold limbs

• Lockjaw

• Heavy, low sputum sounds

• Sudden unconsciousness

• Pale or whitish complexion

Treatment Principle

Open the orifices, restore consciousness, resolve phlegm, and awaken the spirit.

Traditional Formula

Emergency Measures

• Su-He-Xiang-Wan

Follow-up Formula

• Dao-Tan-Tang

Prolapse (Collapse) Pattern

Common Signs

• Eyes remain closed

• Cold limbs

• Hands stretched out after collapse

• Urinary incontinence

• Mouth remains open

• Profuse sweating

• Snoring respirations

Treatment Principle

Rescue devastated Yang, restore consciousness, and support the body's vital Qi.

Traditional Formula

Emergency Measures

• Shen-Fu-Tang

Follow-up Formula

• Di-Huang-Yin-Zi

Stroke Aftereffects

Hemiplegia

Common Signs

• Weakness or paralysis affecting one side of the body

Treatment Principle

Tonify Qi and Blood while promoting circulation and removing blood stasis.

Traditional Formula

Bu-Yang-Huan-Wu-Tang

Speechlessness (Aphasia)

Common Signs

• Inability to speak or severe speech difficulty

Treatment Principle

Expel wind, transform phlegm, and restore communication pathways.

Traditional Formulas

• Di-Huang-Yin-Zi (weaker patients)

• Tiao-Tan-Tang (stronger patients)

Dry Eyes and Dry Mouth

Common Signs

• Persistent dryness after stroke

Treatment Principle

Expel wind, transform phlegm, and promote Qi circulation.

Traditional Formula

Qian-Zheng-San

Urinary Incontinence

Common Signs

• Loss of bladder control following stroke

Treatment Principle

Strengthen the middle burner, tonify Qi, and secure bladder function.

Traditional Formula

Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang

Cerebral Thrombosis

Common Signs

• Stroke resulting from blood vessel obstruction

Treatment Principle

Expel wind, transform phlegm, activate blood circulation, and remove stasis.

Traditional Formula

Da-Qin-Jiao-Tang

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Common Signs

• Hemorrhagic stroke involving bleeding around the brain

Treatment Principle

Nourish Yin, cool the Blood, suppress Yang, and extinguish internal wind.

Traditional Formula

Ling-Jiao-Gou-Teng-Tang

Summary Table

Important Note

Acute stroke is a medical emergency. Sudden weakness, facial droop, speech difficulty, severe headache, confusion, loss of consciousness, or vision changes require immediate emergency medical care. Traditional Chinese Medicine may play a supportive role during recovery but should not delay emergency treatment.