Is Bloodletting Effective for Stroke Treatment? Myths and Facts

Is "bloodletting to save a life" true?

I recently came across a piece of information stating that when a stroke occurs, one should never move the patient or rush them into an ambulance, as the bumps during transport could cause more blood vessels in the brain to rupture.
Is bloodletting really effective in this situation? If one pricks each fingertip with a needle to release blood, will the patient truly regain consciousness after a few minutes? If there is already facial drooping, will pulling on the earlobe and then pricking it to release blood actually restore normal facial appearance? Why was I unaware of these methods before? If they are indeed effective, why are there still so many stroke patients who die? Is it because Western medicine looks down on traditional Chinese medicine, lacking a theoretical basis? Additionally, how can one determine if someone has a hemorrhagic stroke based on their appearance? If a person collapses, are there other possibilities besides a hemorrhagic stroke? I am very eager to learn about the first steps in managing a hemorrhagic stroke, as I do not want to repeat past mistakes and lose my loved ones.
Thank you.

Xiao Lun, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2000/11/23

Dr. Huang Yingzhe reply Neurology

According to Western medicine, the method of bloodletting from the ten fingers as an emergency treatment for stroke has no scientific basis.
Among the patients I have seen, some have undergone the method you described, yet they still experienced a stroke! In Western medicine, there is indeed a bloodletting method, but it is specifically for ischemic stroke (strokes are generally classified into ischemic and hemorrhagic) and only for patients with elevated hemoglobin levels.
We typically draw 250 to 500 cc of blood at a time! Moreover, during finger bloodletting, it is unclear whether the patient is experiencing a hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke, which is a significant difference from our approach! As for information related to strokes, please refer to the following webpage: http://members.tripod.com/iamjackie/chinese.htm.
Additionally, there are many reasons for a person to faint, such as high or low blood sugar, arrhythmias, strokes, seizures, etc., which cannot be elaborated on here!

Reply Date: 2000/11/23

More Info

Bloodletting, or the practice of intentionally drawing blood from a patient, has a long history in medicine, but its effectiveness in treating conditions like stroke is highly questionable and largely discredited in modern medical practice. The idea that bloodletting could somehow alleviate the effects of a stroke, particularly by using methods such as pricking fingers or drawing blood from other parts of the body, is rooted more in historical beliefs than in scientific evidence.

When a stroke occurs, it is typically due to either a blockage of blood flow to the brain (ischemic stroke) or bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). The immediate treatment for a stroke is critical and should focus on restoring blood flow in the case of ischemic strokes or controlling bleeding in the case of hemorrhagic strokes. Bloodletting does not address the underlying causes of these conditions and can potentially worsen the situation by further reducing blood volume and oxygen delivery to vital organs.

The notion that moving a stroke patient or quickly transporting them to a hospital could exacerbate their condition is also a misconception. While it is true that patients should be handled carefully, especially if they are unconscious or have severe symptoms, timely medical intervention is crucial. The best course of action is to call emergency services immediately and provide the patient with the necessary medical attention as soon as possible.

In terms of recognizing a stroke, the FAST acronym is a widely accepted method:
- Face drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
- Arm weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech difficulty: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
- Time to call emergency services: If you observe any of these signs, call for help immediately.

Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, such as seizures, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or even a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is often called a "mini-stroke." Therefore, it is essential to seek professional medical evaluation rather than relying on home remedies or unproven treatments.

In conclusion, bloodletting is not an effective treatment for stroke and could potentially be harmful. The best approach to stroke management is to recognize the symptoms early and seek immediate medical assistance. Understanding the signs of a stroke and acting quickly can significantly improve outcomes for those affected. If you have concerns about stroke prevention or treatment, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide evidence-based guidance tailored to individual health needs.

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