Postconcussion Syndromeaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Neurological Disorders
What is Postconcussion Syndrome?
Postconcussion syndrome is a complex disorder in which a constellation of symptoms—headaches, dizziness, cognitive disturbances, emotional irritability, and sometimes insomnia—persist long after the initial head injury.
Symptoms can last for weeks, months, or even years, significantly affecting an individual's quality of life. This syndrome follows a concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury that temporarily disrupts brain function, often resulting from a blow to the head, violent shaking of the head, or forceful impact.
How does TCM view Postconcussion Syndrome?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches postconcussion syndrome with a holistic perspective, emphasizing the interconnection between the body, mind, and environment. TCM identifies this condition as a disruption of Qi (vital energy) flow and Blood circulation within the body, often attributed to the invasion of pathogenic factors such as Wind or the stagnation of Qi and Blood.
The diagnosis and treatment are highly individualized, focusing on identifying and correcting the underlying disharmony patterns, aiming to restore the body's natural balance and facilitate healing.
Causes of Postconcussion Syndrome According to TCM
From a TCM standpoint, postconcussion syndrome may arise from several underlying disharmonies (patterns). One common cause is the Stagnation of Qi and Blood, resulting from the traumatic injury, leading to headaches and cognitive disturbances.
Another cause could be the invasion of External Wind, which disrupts the flow of Qi in the Channels and can manifest as dizziness and emotional irritability. Identifying these patterns is crucial for tailoring the treatment to the individual's specific needs, addressing not just the symptoms but the root cause of the syndrome.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Postconcussion Syndrome
TCM offers a variety of herbal formulas to address the diverse patterns associated with postconcussion syndrome. For symptoms stemming from External Wind and Qi Stagnation, Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, featuring Szechuan Lovage Roots, can be effective. To nourish and tonify Qi and Blood, Gui Pi Tang, with its key herb Ginseng, is often recommended. In cases of dampness and deficiency, Zhen Wu Tang with Prepared aconite can help restore Yang and improve circulation.
For more complex patterns involving the obstruction of sensory orifices or internal wind, formulas like Su He Xiang Wan and Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang may be prescribed to open orifices and subdue wind, promoting a return to equilibrium. These treatments underscore TCM's nuanced approach, aiming to harmonize the body's internal environment and alleviate the multifaceted symptoms of postconcussion syndrome.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address postconcussion syndrome, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that warm and open sensory orifices
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
Postconcussion syndrome can be treated by these formulas when it results from external wind invasion disrupting the body's surface and normal function, requiring wind-dispersing actions.
One such formula is Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, with szechuan lovage root as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
Postconcussion syndrome can be treated by these formulas when there is a combined deficiency of both Qi and Blood, requiring comprehensive tonification.
One such formula is Gui Pi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
Postconcussion syndrome can be treated by these formulas if it is due to cold-dampness obstructing the body's functions, requiring warming and damp-transforming actions.
One such formula is Zhen Wu Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Postconcussion syndrome can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and open sensory orifices
Postconcussion syndrome can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold affecting the sensory orifices, requiring warming and opening actions.
One such formula is Su He Xiang Wan, with styrax resin as a key herb.
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Postconcussion syndrome can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
Formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind
Postconcussion syndrome can be treated by these formulas when it is due to internal wind, which is often associated with spasms, tremors, or dizziness.
One such formula is Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang, with achyranthes root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Postconcussion Syndrome
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address postconcussion syndrome, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that open the orifices
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Postconcussion syndrome can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for postconcussion syndrome, like Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for postconcussion syndrome
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) | Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang |
| Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang |
| Safflowers (Hong Hua) | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang |
| Achyranthes Roots (Niu Xi) | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Postconcussion syndrome can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for postconcussion syndrome, like Gui Pi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for postconcussion syndrome
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Liquorice (Gan Cao) | Gui Pi Tang |
Herbs that open the Orifices
Postconcussion syndrome can be treated by these herbs if it's a result of blockages in the body's sensory orifices, aiding in restoring clarity and consciousness.
One such herb is Styrax (Su He Xiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for postconcussion syndrome, like Su He Xiang Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that open the Orifices" recommended for postconcussion syndrome
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Styrax (Su He Xiang) | Su He Xiang Wan |
| Musk (She Xiang) | Su He Xiang Wan |
| Borneol (Bing Pian) | Su He Xiang Wan |
| Benzoin (An Xi Xiang) | Su He Xiang Wan |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Postconcussion syndrome can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for postconcussion syndrome, like Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for postconcussion syndrome
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi) | Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San |
| Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) | Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San |
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang |
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Postconcussion syndrome can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for postconcussion syndrome, like Zhen Wu Tang.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Postconcussion syndrome can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for postconcussion syndrome, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Postconcussion syndrome can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), a key herb in some formulas recommended for postconcussion syndrome, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Postconcussion syndrome can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for postconcussion syndrome, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.