Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help My Father's Severe Coma?

Can my dad be saved?

Hello Dr.
Huang: Through a friend's introduction and information obtained online, I learned that you have a different treatment approach for patients who have suffered brain injuries and are in a state of severe coma, unlike conventional Western medicine.
Therefore, I am taking the liberty to seek your help to save my father.
My father is 57 years old and fell and hit his head due to work-related circumstances.
He was observed at Tzu Chi Hospital for three days, during which his consciousness became unclear, leading to surgery.
After the operation on November 17, 1996, everything was stable, and on November 22, the doctor assessed that he could be transferred to a general ward.
At that time, he was conscious, and he could freely bend his limbs.
He was even able to eat soft food for lunch.
However, after 2:30 PM that day, he suddenly fell into a deep sleep and could not be awakened, producing loud snoring sounds.
He was then transferred to the intensive care unit with very high intracranial pressure and a blood pressure of 219.
On November 24, the intracranial pressure remained elevated, and he was unconscious with dilated pupils, necessitating surgery to remove the left and right skull to relieve pressure.
However, the brain remained swollen, and the medications to lower intracranial pressure seemed ineffective.
On December 1, bleeding and fluid accumulation were discovered in the right side of the brain (the injury and surgery were on the left side), but the doctors believed that the chances of waking up after a third surgery were slim.
We could not bear to subject our father to another operation, so we decided to forgo it.
Until now, my father remains in a coma, with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 4, and the brain swelling seems to have decreased.
He is currently at Taichung City Hospital, requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation.
Doctor, I implore you, can you save my father? I am immensely grateful, thank you!!

Amy, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/01/04

Dr. Huang Zhongzhun reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Amy,
Regarding patients with head injuries, based on my own treatment experience, the combination of Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine is most effective during the acute phase (approximately one week).
If treatment is delayed for too long (over three months), the prognosis is not as favorable.
Professor Hsieh Ching-Liang, the Vice President of Traditional Chinese Medicine at China Medical University Hospital, is an expert in neurology with extensive experience.
I recommend transferring your father to China Medical University Hospital for a combined treatment approach, which may be more beneficial for him.
Wishing you peace and health,
Dr.
Huang Chung-Chun
Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2008/01/04

More Info

The situation you describe regarding your father's severe coma following a traumatic brain injury is indeed complex and deeply concerning. In cases of severe brain injury, especially when accompanied by complications such as elevated intracranial pressure and subsequent surgeries, the prognosis can vary significantly based on numerous factors, including the extent of the injury, the patient's overall health, and the timeliness of medical interventions.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a different approach to treatment compared to Western medicine. It emphasizes the balance of the body's energies (Qi), the health of the organs, and the overall harmony of the body. TCM treatments may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and other modalities aimed at restoring balance and promoting healing.

In acute cases like your father's, where he has been in a coma for an extended period, TCM can potentially play a supportive role alongside conventional medical treatments. However, it is crucial to understand that TCM is not a substitute for emergency medical care, especially in critical conditions such as severe brain injuries. The integration of TCM with Western medicine, particularly in the acute phase, may yield better outcomes. This combined approach can help manage symptoms, improve circulation, and possibly enhance recovery.

For your father's specific case, it is essential to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner who has experience treating neurological conditions. They may recommend herbal formulas that could help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow to the brain, and support overall recovery. Some commonly used herbs in TCM for brain health include Ginkgo biloba, which is believed to enhance circulation, and various adaptogens that may help the body cope with stress and promote healing.

Acupuncture may also be beneficial. While there is limited research on its effectiveness in severe coma cases, some studies suggest that acupuncture can help improve consciousness levels and neurological function in patients with brain injuries. The practitioner would target specific acupuncture points to stimulate the nervous system and promote healing.

However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of TCM treatments can vary widely among individuals, and results may not be immediate. Given your father's critical condition, it is crucial to maintain open communication with his medical team. They can provide guidance on the appropriateness of integrating TCM into his treatment plan and monitor any potential interactions with ongoing medical therapies.

In summary, while TCM may offer supportive therapies that could potentially aid in your father's recovery, it is essential to approach this integrative treatment with caution and under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals. The primary focus should remain on ensuring that he receives the best possible care in the hospital, while exploring complementary options that may enhance his overall treatment plan.

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