• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.54-61
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• 2009

Arteriosclerosis is a pathologic term that contains hardening of arterial wall, loss of arterial elasticity and stenosis of artery. To diagnose this disease, conventional angiography, MRA, transcranial doppler ultrasonography are commonly used. And it causes various clinical phases by a region of the disease. In oriental medicine, arteriosclerosis is classified into congested fluids(痰飮), blood stasis(瘀血), stagnation of Gi(氣滯) and treated by Herb-Med, acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and the like. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of oriental medical therapy on cerebral arteriosclerosis. A patient with cerebrovascular disease admitted due to dizziness, mild dysarthria, tinnitus, anxiety disorder and his Brain MRA showed severe arteriosclerosis in right anterior cerebral artery(ACA) and middle cerebral artery(MCA). Every day, we administered to patient Herb Med and Herb pills. Also, acupuncture, moxibustion were done, too. As a result of the treatment, the patient's follow up Brain MRA showed improved state of ACA stenosis.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.224-229
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• 2007

Objective : Despite improvement of therapeutic regimen, incidence of stroke increases and it remains a leading cause of death. Our study aims at offering variable data on recurrent strokes. Methods : There were 59 patients who admitted from Jan. 2002 to Dec. 2004 due to recurrent strokes. A retrospective longitudinal cohort study was done. Results : Four-hundred-seventy five patients, diagnosed with acute stroke, experienced 491 strokes in 3 years, and there were 75 recurrent strokes [15.3%] in 59 patients. These 59 patients were included in the study. First hemorrhagic cases [H] were 19 [32%], and the first infarction cases [I] were 40 [68%]. Subsequent strokes after first stroke were as follows : $H{\to}H$ 14 [23.7%] cases, $H{\to}I$ 5 [8.5%], $I{\to}H$ 8 [13.6%], $I{\to}I$ 32 (54.2%]. A Cox regression analyses showed that the first type of stroke was a significant factor to the second stroke as follows : if one has had a hemorrhagic stroke, the possibility of second hemorrhagic attack ($H{\to}H$ attack) increase 3.2 times than ischemic type and in ischemic stroke [$I{\to}I$ attack] 3.6 times increased incidence of second ischemic attack. Conclusion : The recurrence rate of stroke was 12.4% [59 of 475 patients]. If the first stroke is hemorrhage or infarction, the next stroke would have high potentiality of hemorrhage, or infarction. The possibility of same type in second stroke Increase over 3 times. In $H{\to}H$ group, the time interval between first and second stroke was shorter and the age of onset was earlier than in $I{\to}I$ group. Moreover, the infarction was more frequent than hemorrhage in multiple strokes. There was a correlation in lacunar type infarction between first and second attack.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.223-244
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• 1997

Clinical observation was done on 290 cases of patients who were diagnosed as CVA with brain CT, TCD, MRI scan and clinical observation. They were hospitalized in the oriental medical hospital of Kyung-Won University from 1st January to 31st December in 1996. 1. The cases were classified into the following kinds : cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, and transient ischemic attack. The most case of them was the cerebr진 infarction. 2. There is no significant difference in the frequency of strokes in male and female. And the frequency of strokes was highest in the aged over 50. 3. In cerebral infarction the most frequent lesion was the territory of middle cerebral artery, and in cerebral hemorrhage the most frequent lesion was the basal ganglia. 4. The most ordinary preceding disease was hypertension, and the next was diabetes. 5. The rate of recurrence was high in cerebral infarction. 6. The frequency of strokes seems to have no relation to the season. 7. The cerebral infarction occurred usually in resting and sleeping, and the cerebral hemorrhage in acting. 8. The course of entering hospital, most patients visited this hospital as soon as CVA occurred. And the half of patient visited this hospital within 2 days after CVA attack. 9. In the cases of patients who were unconscious at the admission, the prognosis was worse than that of the alert patients. 10. The common symptoms were motor disability and verbal disturbance. 11. The average duration of hospitalization was 27.4 days, and in case of cerebral hemorrhage the duration was prolonged. 12. The average time to start physical therapy was 13.3rd day after stroke in cerebral infarction and it was 19.9th day after stroke in cerebral hemorrhage. 13. The common complications were urinary tract infection, pneumonia, myocardial infarction and so on. 15. At the time of entering hospital, in most cases the blood pressure was high, but blood pressure was well controlled at the time of discharge. 16. Generally reported, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia are usually found in cerebral infarction. But in this study, they were found more frequently in cerebral hemorrhage than in infarction. 17, In the most cases, western and oriental medical treatments were given simultaneously. 18. In acute or subacute stage, the methods of smoothening the flow of KI(順氣), dispelling phlegm(祛痰), clearing away heat(淸熱) or purgation(瀉下) were frequently used. And in recovering stage, the methods of replenishing KI(補氣), tonifying the blood(補血) or tranquilization(安神) were frequently used.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.5
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• pp.511-517
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• 2017

Objective : Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and ischemic stroke share common vascular risk factors such as aging and hypertension. Previous studies suggested that the rate of recurrent ICH and ischemic stroke might be similar after ICH. Presence of cerebral arterial stenosis is a potential risk factor for future ischemic stroke. This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with cerebral arterial stenosis in Korean patients with spontaneous ICH. Methods : A total of 167 patients with spontaneous ICH were enrolled. Intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS) and extracranial arterial stenosis (ECAS) were assessed by computed tomography angiography. Presence of ICAS was defined if patients had arterial stenosis in at least one intracranial artery. ECAS was assessed in the extracranial carotid artery. More than 50% luminal stenosis was defined as presence of stenosis. Prevalence and factors associated with presence of ICAS and cerebral arterial stenosis (presence of ICAS and/or ECAS) were investigated by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results : Thirty-two (19.2%) patients had ICAS, 7.2% had ECAS, and 39 (23.4%) patients had any cerebral arterial stenosis. Frequency of ICAS and ECAS did not differ among ganglionic ICH, lobar ICH, and brainstem ICH. Age was higher in patients with ICAS ($67.6{\pm}11.8$ vs. $58.9{\pm}13.6years$ p=0.004) and cerebral arterial stenosis ($67.9{\pm}11.6$ vs. $59.3{\pm}13.5years$, p<0.001) compared to those without stenosis. Patients with ICAS were older, more frequently had diabetes, had a higher serum glucose level, and had a lower hemoglobin level than those without ICAS. Patients with cerebral arterial stenosis were older, had diabetes and lower hemoglobin level, which was consistent with findings in patients with ICAS. However, patients with cerebral arterial stenosis showed higher prevalence of hypertension and decreased kidney function compared to those without cerebral arterial stenosis. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that aging and presence of diabetes independently predicted the presence of ICAS, and aging, diabetes, and hypertension were independently associated with presence of cerebral arterial stenosis. Conclusion : 19.2% of patients with spontaneous ICH had ICAS, but the prevalence of ECAS was relatively lower (7.2%) compared with ICAS. Aging and diabetes were independent factors for the presence of ICAS, whereas aging, hypertension, and diabetes were factors for the cerebral arterial stenosis.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.126-135
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• 2018

This study examined whether the difference in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) velocities can predict the prognosis of stroke and whether the prognostic impact differs among stroke subtypes. Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or acute ischemic stroke patients, who underwent a routine evaluation and transcranial Doppler (TCD), were included in this study. The MCA asymmetry index was calculated using the relative percentage difference in the mean flow velocity (MFV) between the left and right MCA: (|RMCA MFV-LMCA MFV|/mean MCA MFV)${\times}100$. The stroke subtypes were determined using the TOAST classification. Poor functional outcomes were defined as a mRS score ${\geq}3$ at 3 months after the onset of stroke. A total of 988 patients were included, of whom 157 (15.9%) had a poor functional outcome. Multivariable analysis showed that only the MCA asymmetry index was independently associated with a poor functional outcome. ROC curve analysis showed that adding the MCA asymmetry index to the prediction model improved the discrimination of a poor functional outcome from acute ischemic stroke (from 88.6% [95% CI, 85.2~91.9] to 89.2% [95% CI, 85.9~92.5]). The MCA asymmetry index has an independent prognostic value for predicting a poor short-term functional outcome after an acute cerebral infarction. Therefore, TCD may be useful for predicting a poor functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.24-31
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• 2011

Objective : Fire and heat related symptoms and signs are considered common in acute stage of diseases. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the occurrences and changes of fire and heat related symptoms and signs in acute cerebral infarction patients. Method & subjects : 40 acute cerebral infarction patients hospitalized in Oriental medicine hospital, Kyung-Hee University, who had examined and diagnosed 2 or 3 times based on oriental medical diagnosis were selected. We chose 23 as fire and heat related symptoms and signs from 94 diagnostic articles, and we added all those scores together of each patient. We analysed the scores of fire and heat related symptoms and signs as the time passed, and depending on oriental medical diagnosis. Result : In acute cerebral infarction patients of this study, 4 of fire and heat related symptoms and signs were took 1st, 2nd, 4th and 8th places in most changeable 10 articles of total 94 articles. The mean score of fire and heat related symptoms and signs of all patients were decreased significantly over the 3 times of measurements. The 8 patients diagnosed as fire and heat diagnosis at visit1 were samely diagnosed as fire and heat diagnosis at visit2, and at visit3 5 patients of them except for 3 patients excluded between visit2 and visit3, were still diagnosed as fire and heat diagnosis. At all of 3 measuring times, the scores of fire and heat related symptoms and signs of fire and heat diagnosis group were higher than non-fire and heat diagnosis group. Conclusion : This study indicated that fire and heat related symptoms and signs were very changeable phenomenon in acute cerebral infarction patients. And they decreased as time goes on.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.13-18
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• 2010

Purpose : Diffusion tensor imaging(DTI) allows the visualization of fiber tract damage in patients with cerebral infarction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the correlation between degree of NIH stoke scale and fractional anisotropy (FA) in patient with cerebral infarction. Material and Methods : 16 patients aged 36~77 years(male : 11, female : 5, mean age : 61y), diagnosed cerebral infarction by diffusion weighted imaging(DWI), underwent 24 directional diffusion tensor imaging(DTI). Patients had the DTI taken within 3days of stroke onset. Comparison of DWI, FA value on DTI were measured infarcted area and counter part of specific region of interest (ROI). And evaluation of differences between clinically improved patient group (n=9) and unimproved patient group (n=7) until 2 week follow up after development of cerebral infarction. Clinical status was scaled by NIH stroke scale. Results : Quantitative measurements of FA confirmed statistically the significant diffusion changes in the infarct compared with the matched-counter part region. In DWI, the infarcted area shows high signal intensity, however FA value on DTI was lower than normal brain parenchyma. The FA value of clinically improved patient by NIH stroke scale was 0.49, and the value of contralateral normal brain parenchyma was 0.41. On the contrary, FA value of infarcted area shows about 15% lower than normal brain parenchyma. But, the FA value of unimproved patient by NIH stroke scale represents a half those of contralateral normal brain parenchyma (0.28 on infarcted area vs. 0.56 on normal brain parenchyma). So, the FA value of unimproved patient group was considerably less than those of improved. Conclusion : It is concluded that the unimproved patient group after cerebral infarction showed much less FA value than that of normal brain parenchyma. The FA value of DTI may be one of the useful parameter to predict outcome of cerebral infarction patients.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.275-282
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• 2022

Background: Stroke is a neurological disorder characterized by brain tissue damage following a decrease in oxygen supply to brain due to blocked blood vessels. Reportedly, 80% of all stroke cases are classified as cerebral infarction, and the incidence rate of this condition increases with age. Herein, we compared the efficacies of Korean White ginseng (WG) and Korean Red Ginseng (RG) extracts (WGex and RGex, respectively) in an ischemic stroke mouse model and confirmed the underlying mechanisms of action. Methods: Mice were orally administered WGex or RGex 1 h before middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), for 2 h; the size of the infarct area was measured 24 h after MCAO induction. Then, the neurological deficit score was evaluated and the efficacies of the two extracts were compared. Finally, their mechanisms of action were confirmed with tissue staining and protein quantification. Results: In the MCAO-induced ischemic stroke mouse model, WGex and RGex showed neuroprotective effects in the cortical region, with RGex demonstrating superior efficacy than WGex. Ginsenoside Rg1, a representative indicator substance, was not involved in mediating the effects of WGex and RGex. Conclusion: WGex and RGex could alleviate the brain injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion, with RGex showing a more potent effect. At 1,000 mg/kg body weight, only RGex reduced cerebral infarction and edema, and both anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic pathways were involved in mediating these effects.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.258-262
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• 2003

Background and Purpose : In the acute stage of stroke, many medical and neurological problems complicate and affect the clinical course of patients. according to previous reports. Although some of them may be predicted, few data exist about them. So we were to investigate the characteristics of complications in hospitalized patients due to stroke. Methods : We retrospectively examined the clinical notes of patients admitted in Won Kwang oriental medical hospital after stroke. Two observers inspected the clinical notes using predefined diagnostic criteria and recorded the type, timing, and frequency of complications that occurred during hospitalization. Results: Total 78 subjects were included in this study. Medical complications(88%) were more frequently complicated than neurological ones(65%). The most common medical complication was constipation(29%) followed by fever(28.2%) and overflow incontinence associated with dysuria(28%). The most common neurological complication was dysphagia(23.7%) and the second was agitation or Insomnia(36%) and the third was headache(21%). Conclusion : Complications after acute stroke were commonly observed. And There were more frequent medical complications than neurological ones. So we should have much knowledge about medical complications and treat them actively. The differences between our study and previous studies are attributable to the different methods including patient selection and diagnostic criteria.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.357-365
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• 2023

Objectives: Since stroke is a serious health issue, novel therapeutic strategies are required. In a mouse model of ischemic stroke, this study analyzed the potential of electroacupuncture (EA) and tenuigenin (TE) to improve the efficacy of human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) transplantation. Methods: Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with reperfusion was used to generate ischemic stroke. Forty-eight male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups: control, MCAO-operated, MCAO-EA, MCAO-TE, or MCAO + EA + TE. Subsequently, hMSCs were transplanted into the ischemic region and EA, TE, or the combination was administered. Behavior assessments and immunohistochemistry were conducted to evaluate motor and cognitive recovery and hMSCs survival, migration, and differentiation. Results: The combined treatment of EA and TE exhibited enhanced hMSCs survival, migration and differentiation into neural cell lineages while suppressing astrocyte formation. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated increased neurogenesis through hMSCs transplantation in the ischemic brain. Immediate behavioral improvements were not significantly different between groups, but there was a gradual recovery in motor and cognitive function over time. Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential of EA and TE co-treatment as a therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke, opening avenues for further research to optimize treatment protocols and elucidate underlying mechanisms.