Time is Critical! You and TCM Can Help During the Golden Hour of Stroke!

Written by: Melody, TCM Practitioner.

Did you know that in Malaysia, the average time from stroke onset to hospital arrival is a staggering 7 hours? This far exceeds the golden window for Western medical thrombolytic treatment – 4.5 hours! 

This means many people miss the best chance for treatment due to not recognizing stroke symptoms promptly and seeking help, potentially leading to more severe sequelae or even becoming life-threatening.

Today, let's talk about the immense importance of the "golden hour" for stroke, and what we, as ordinary people, can do while waiting for professional help, including some preliminary TCM emergency considerations.

The Western Medical "FAST" Principle: The Golden Rule for Stroke Recognition!

First, please remember this simple acronym: FAST! This is the internationally recognized rule for identifying early stroke symptoms:

🔺F (Face drooping / 脸歪)：

Observe the patient's face. Is one side of their mouth drooping or numb? Ask them to smile; is their mouth asymmetrical?

🔺A (Arm weakness / 手脚无力)：

Ask them to raise both arms straight. Does one arm drift downwards weakly or can't be held up?

🔺S (Speech difficulty / 说话困难)：

Ask them to say a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred, unclear, or are they unable to speak at all?

🔺T (Time to call 999 / 赶快叫救护车)：

If any of these symptoms appear, even if they disappear, call 999 for an ambulance immediately!

‼️ Remember: Time is brain! Every minute delayed means more brain cells are damaged!

TCM's "First Aid" Considerations: Preliminary Intervention While Awaiting Rescue (For Non-Professionals)

While waiting for the ambulance, what can we ordinary people do? Besides keeping calm, laying the patient flat, and loosening their collar (common Western emergency knowledge), some preliminary TCM interventions might help stabilize the patient and buy precious time.

⚠️ But please remember: These are only supplementary measures and absolutely cannot replace calling 999 immediately for professional medical help!

1️⃣ Stabilize Emotions, Remain Calm:

🔹Comfort the patient

Stay calm and tell the patient the ambulance is on its way. Reassure them not to be nervous, as anxiety can raise blood pressure and worsen their condition.。

🔹Acupoint pressure (🔹穴位按压):

• Neiguan (内关穴) (inner wrist, three finger-widths above the wrist crease):

  Use your thumb pad to gently press until the patient feels a slight soreness or distension.）

*Renzhong (人中穴) (junction of the upper third and lower two-thirds of the philtrum, below the nose):

Use your thumb or fingernail tip to press slightly forcefully. This can help stimulate the patient to regain consciousness or stay alert.

2️⃣ Avoid Incorrect Actions:

❗️Do not move the patient arbitrarily

Unless the patient is in a dangerous environment, do not move a stroke patient carelessly, as it may worsen their condition.

❗️Do not feed them

The patient may have difficulty swallowing, and feeding them could lead to choking or even suffocation.

Stroke Warning Signs: A TCM Perspective (Transient Ischemic Attack - TIA)

Before a stroke occurs, some patients might experience a brief "mini-stroke," medically known as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). Its symptoms are similar to a stroke but usually resolve on their own within minutes to an hour. This is like a "warning signal" from your body!

TCM believes that stroke precursors are often related to body constitutions involving Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency, Liver Yang rising, damp-phlegm obstructing the collaterals, and Qi deficiency with blood stasis.

If you or a family member experience any of the following, even if the symptoms disappear, seek medical attention immediately:

🔺Sudden dizziness, headache, or blacking out in the eyes.

🔺Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the hand, foot, or face.

🔺Sudden slurred speech, or inability to understand what others are saying.

🔺Brief blurred vision or temporary blindness in one eye.

Early Recognition, Early Action: The Key to Survival Lies in Integrated Care!

Early recognition of stroke is crucial. Remember the FAST principle! If stroke symptoms appear, call 999 immediately to secure the golden hour!

While waiting for rescue, simple TCM acupressure can serve as an auxiliary measure to help stabilize the patient. Simultaneously, for young individuals with stroke precursors or high risk, it's even more important to prioritize daily TCM conditioning and prevention, starting with lifestyle habits, diet, and emotional management to safeguard vascular health.

Prevention is better than cure. Don't let stroke catch you unprepared!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general knowledge and reference only and should not replace professional medical advice. The diagnosis, treatment, and emergency care for stroke must be performed by qualified medical professionals. In any suspected stroke situation, please call emergency services immediately!

If you'd like to learn more about TCM wellness or wish to receive more personalized advice tailored to your specific situation, we recommend booking a consultation.