Medical Case Study: Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Stroke-Like Symptoms
Patient Profile:
Mu Qitong, a merchant manager from Dongxiang, exhibited obesity and chronic overeating. During a summer banquet in Beijing, he suddenly developed acute symptoms: loss of speech, limb paralysis, and severe abdominal distension, requiring emergency transport home.
Initial Misdiagnosis:
A Southern Chinese acquaintance (with basic medical knowledge) misdiagnosed the condition as stroke-induced paralysis. He prescribed Xu Ming Tang (续命汤, a classical formula from Jin Gui Yao Lue with ephedra and ginseng), but saw no improvement after days.
Critical Diagnosis:
Upon examination, I noted:
Slow, broad pulses system-wide, except for an abnormally strong pulse at the right Guanyuan position (spleen/stomach zone).
Symptoms: Fecal impaction, abdominal rigidity, and mutism for 5+ days.
Treatment Controversy:
I identified Fu-organ excess syndrome (腑实证, digestive stagnation) and advocated San Hua Tang (三化汤, containing magnolia bark, immature bitter orange, and rhubarb) to purge stagnation—contrary to conventional stroke protocols.
Therapeutic Breakthrough:
Within 2 hours of taking San Hua Tang: Violent intestinal peristalsis expelled copious decayed matter, resolving abdominal distension. Speech partially returned despite dysarthria.
Follow-up: Two additional doses and turtle-shell extract (ancient remedy for speech impairment) restored near-full function within 10 days.
Outcome:
The patient resumed work under employer pressure. The Southern doctor, witnessing the recovery, left in embarrassment.
Modern Context:
San Hua Tang is now studied for historical TCM practices; clinical use requires professional guidance.
Turtle-shell therapy is obsolete in contemporary medicine.
(Note: This case reflects 19th-century TCM practices. Always consult licensed healthcare providers for medical emergencies.)
The esteemed medical text Zui Hua Chuang Medical (Original: Ming Dynasty Clinical Archives) has been translated by timtcm.com. We welcome your valuable comments and feedback in the section below.
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