• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.46-53
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• 2006

Objectives : The purposes of this study were to investigate that a blepharospasm means the presymptom of stroke based on the traditional hypothesis in the oriental medicine and to compare a blepharospasm with warning signs of stroke in the western medicine. Methods : In the time period Oct. 2005 to Oct. 2006, 409 patients with a first-ever stroke admitted in the department of Internal Medicine of Kyungwon University In-cheon Oriental Medical Hospital, Kyunghee University Oriental Medical Hospital, Dongguk Il-san Oriental Medical Hospital were included. Patients were hospitalized within 14 days after the onset of stroke. Stroke patients were interviewed by residents who studied standard operation procedures in Fundamental Study for Standardization and Objectification of Differentiation and Pattern Identification of Syndrome of Oriental Medicine for Stroke. A questionnaire was completed by a question-and-answer form between patients and residents after explanation details to patients and the agreement of patients. Results : Age, care of patients or grandson, diabetes mellitus, and smoking were higher among cerebral infarction group, while smoking was higher among hemorrhage group. Female, young age, hyperlipidemia, hypertension in the family history and fat body in waist-hip ratio were higher among patients undergoing the blepharospasm before stroke onset. And the incidence of blepharospasm was lower in patients who dislike the fast food. Finally, when we compared a blepharospasm with warning signs of stroke in the western medicine, the incidence of blepharospasm in this study were the most frequent. Conclusion : In this study, the incidence of blepharospasm in patients before stroke onset was more frequent than that of warning signs in the western medicine. But more data from prospective cohort studies should be collected to be accepted that the blepharospasm is the presymptom of stroke as like warning signs in the western medicine.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.43-52
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• 2007

Objective : The purpose of this study is to present the epidemiological data on stroke patients admitted to Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Kang-Nam Korean Medicine Hospital Kyunghee University and comparison to past stroke patient studies. Methods : Research was conducted by surveys and charting of patients with a stroke admitted to Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Gang-Nam Korean Medicine Hospital Kyunghee University from Jan. 1. 2005 to Dec. 31. 2006. Results : There was 2.3 times more cerebral infarction than cerebral hemorrhage and 1.5 times more female patients. Older patients showed more infarction than hemorrhage. Patient range was mostly in the 70year old range. Preceding diseases were hypertension>diabetes>hyperlipidemia. Gait condition improved during hospitalization. Most patients were admitted after 61 days of stroke onset and hospitalization period exceeded 71days. 76% of patients received treatment from other medical facilities before admittance. Most patients came from western medicine hospitals. Triglyceride levels were high at 32.3% at the time of admittance. The most common symptom in admission time was headache. Conclusion : Acute stroke patients decreased, long term patients increased, and patients who came from other medical facilities increased.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.180-189
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• 2002

Background and Purpose : The hemiplegic upper extremity is affected in many stroke patients, and recovery is often poor. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) in enhancing the upper extremity motor and functional recovery of ischemic stroke patients. Subjects and Methods : Forty ischemic stroke patients (the upper extremity Fugl-Meyer motor scale (FM) score lower than 46, lesion location within middle cerebral artery territory) within 2 weeks of stroke onset were randomly allocated to either an EA group that received EA treatment or a control group that received only routine ward care. The EA was applied at Quchi-Shousanli (LI11-LI10), Waiguan-Hegu (TE5-LI4) points on the hemiparetic side six times per week for 4 weeks. The frequency of stimulation was 25-50Hz and the intensity was set at a level sufficient to induce muscle contraction. EA treatment was given for 30 minutes and all patients of both groups received standard rehabilitation program. Outcomes were assessed, in a blind manner, before treatment began and at 4 weeks after treatment, with the FM, the Motor Power score (MP) for shoulder/elbow, and the subsection of the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) for drinking/feeding/dressing upper body/grooming. Results : These 2 groups had comparable clinical characteristics, lesion location, lesion size, and pretreatment impairment scores. By the end of treatment, the EA group showed significantly more improvement than the control group in the subsection of the FM for shoulder/elbow/coordination (6.4 vs. 3.7; P=0.047) and the MP for shoulder/elbow (5.3 vs. 3.3; P=0.008). The subsection scores of the MBI for drinking/feeding/dressing upper body/grooming were not significantly different between two groups. No adverse effects due to treatment were found Conclusion : These results suggest that EA enhances the upper extremity motor recovery of acute stroke patients. However, this study failed to demonstrate any significant functional benefit related with upper extremity. Future study should be carried out in a larger sample size and use the functional outcome measure that is more specific and sensitive to the upper extremity.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.53-57
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• 2006

Background: Vstibular evoked myogenic potentials(VEMP) have been known to be useful documenting abnormality in patients with various vestibular disorders and brainstem lesions but the studies of VEMP in patients with hemispheric lesions are rare. Methods: We recorded VEMP in 21 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke in the supratentorial lesions without evidence of brainstem or vestibular end organ lesions. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging and the main outcome measures of VEMP were recorded in all subjects. We interpreted each parameters of VEMP using our normal laboratory data. Results: VEMP abnormalities(prolonged latency or asymmetry of amplitude) were found in 57%(12/21) of acute infarction patients with supratentorial lesions. Bilateral VEMP abnormalities were found in six patients and unilateral abnormalities were found in another six patients with ipsilateral abnormalities in the three and controlateral abnormalities in the three patients. Conclusions: VEMP abnormalities were found in supratentorial stroke patients in our studies and this findings suggest supranuclear control may affect the generation of VEMP potentials.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.257-262
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• 2001

Cheiro-oral syndrome is characterized by a partial sensory disturbance in one hand and the ipsilateral oral comer. Its lesion is on the sensory track, and it is comparatively small. Most studies are case studies. These studies reported less than 10 cases. We studied two cases. In one, we observed intracranial hemorrhage involving left thalamus, posterior limb of internal capsule about 5cc in brain computed tomographic scan. The case was shown paresthesia of the right hand and ipsilateral comer of the mouth. The patient also complained about disturbing dysstereognosis and disorder of graphaesthesia. In the other case, we observed nodular calcification at the left basal ganglia external capsule in brain computed tomographic scan. The patient also complained about dysesthesia of the right thumb and index finger, fatigue and verbal disturbance. These cases appeared to be typical strokes in the acute phase, but after acute phase, they had dysethesia in the hand and periord for three months.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.93-104
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• 2015

Objectives: This study examined the correlation between the Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS) and the Motricity Index (MI) in acute cerebral infarction patients. Methods: We studied 75 inpatients within a month after the onset of cerebral infarction; patients were recruited from July 2012 to November 2013. We analyzed the correlation between changes in SSS and MI by pattern identification. Results: A significant moderate positive linear correlation was noted between SSS and MI in the total patient cohort and in a Fire-heat group, Dampness-phlegm group, Qi deficiency group, and Deficiency syndrome group. A significant strong positive linear correlation existed between SSS and MI in the Excess syndrome group. The Yin deficiency group showed a weak positive linear correlation, but it was not statistically significant. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that the correlation between SSS and MI in acute cerebral infarction patients could differ depending on pattern identification.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.5
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• pp.545-550
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• 2019

Objective : Penumbra ACE68 reperfusion catheter is a new large bore aspiration catheter used for reperfusion of large vessel occlusion. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of this catheter in comparison to that of previous Penumbra catheters in patients with acute ischemic stroke related to internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. Methods : Data of all eligible patients who received endovascular treatment (EVT) for ICA occlusion using Penumbra aspiration catheters between January 2015 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. After dividing into two groups according to use of penumbra ACE68, baseline characteristics of patients, successful recanalization rate, puncture to recanalization time, and switch to stent base technique rate were assessed. Successful recanalization was defined by a thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score ${\geq}2b$ and favorable functional outcome was defined according to modified Rankin scale (score, 0-2). Results : ACE68 reperfusion catheter was used in 29 of 75 eligible patients (39%). The puncture to recanalization time was significantly shorter ($26{\pm}18.2$ minutes vs. $40{\pm}24.9$ minutes, p=0.011) and the rate of switch to stent-based retrieval was significantly lower (3% vs. 20%, p=0.046) in ACE68 catheter group. Moreover, although not statistically significant, the successful recanalization rate was higher (83% vs. 76%, p=0.492) in ACE68 catheter group. Favorable functional outcome was observed in 48% of patients treated with ACE68 reperfusion catheter and in 30% of patients treated using other Penumbra systems (p=0.120). Baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scores ${\geq}8$ (odds ratio [OR], 9.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72-54.99; p=0.010) and successful recanalization (OR, 10.20; 95% CI, 1.13-92.46; p=0.039) were independent predictors of favorable outcome. Conclusion : EVT using ACE68 reperfusion catheter can be considered a first-line therapy in patients with acute ICA occlusion as it can achieve rapid recanalization and reduce the frequency of conversion to stent-retrieve therapy.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.2
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• pp.144-154
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• 2023

Objective : Stroke caused from large vessel occlusion (LVO) has emerged as the most common stroke subtype worldwide. Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator administration (IV-tPA) and additional intraarterial thrombectomy (IA-Tx) is regarded as standard treatment. In this study, the authors try to find the early recanalization rate of IV-tPA in LVO stroke patients. Methods : Total 300 patients undertook IA-Tx with confirmed anterior circulation LVO, were analyzed retrospectively. Brain computed tomography angiography (CTA) was the initial imaging study and acute stroke magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) followed after finished IV-tPA. Early recanalization rate was evaluated by acute stroke MRA within 2 hours after the IV-tPA. In 167 patients undertook IV-tPA only and 133 non-recanalized patients by IV-tPA, additional IA-Tx tried (IV-tPA + IA-Tx group). And 131 patients, non-recanalized by IV-tPA (IV-tPA group) additional IA-Tx recommend and tried according to the patient condition and compliance. Results : Early recanalization rate of LVO after IV-tPA was 12.0% (36/300). In recanalized patients, favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 0-2) was 69.4% (25/36) while it was 32.1% (42/131, p<0.001) in non-recanalized patients. Among 133 patients, non-recanalized after intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and undertook additional IA-Tx, the clinical outcome was better than not undertaken additional IA-Tx (favorable outcome was 42.9% vs. 32.1%, p=0.046). Analysis according to the perfusion/diffusion (P/D)-mismatching or not, in patient with IV-tPA with IA-Tx (133 patients), favorable outcome was higher in P/D-mismatching patient (52/104; 50.0%) than P/D-matching patients (5/29; 17.2%; p=0.001). Which treatment tired, P/D-mismatching was favored in clinical outcome (iv-tPA only, p=0.008 and IV-tPA with IA-Tx, p=0.001). Conclusion : The P/D-mismatching influences on the recanalization and clinical outcomes of IV-tPA and IA-Tx. The authors would like to propose that we had better prepare IA-Tx when LVO is diagnosed on initial diagnostic imaging. Furthermore, if the patient shows P/D-mismatching on MRA after IV-tPA, additional IA-Tx improves treatment results and lessen the futile recanalization.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.341-348
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• 2000

I have treated one ischemic stroke patient in acute stage with Seonghyangjeonggi-san, and observed remarkable reduction of the size ischemic portion in brain CT, notable improved motor power of patient. So I report this case of stroke patint. The ischemic penumbra, simply stated, is the part of the brain that is sandwiched brain regions committed to die and those that receive enough blood to communicate. Therefore, it is ischemic brain tissue that has just enough to communicte and function. The life expectancy of the penumbrais short. Although the penumbra is an elegant concept, in practice, it has been a difficult one to exploit. Up to now, a lot of research worker have tried to develop the method to make a accurate diagnosis. and then we know that PET and Xenon CT is available for the diagnosis for the ischemic penumbra. But those are not perfect to diagnose of penumbra. The case in my case report was confirmed as ischemic penumbra with CT. I know that CT is not prefect to diagnose penumbra, but I just want to raise the interest in penumbra of oriental medicine researcher and my report will be benificial to the penumbra researcher.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.30-40
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• 2015

Robot-assisted rehabilitation therapy has been used to increase physical function in post-stroke patients. The aim of this meta-analysis was to identify whether robot-assisted gait training can improve patients' functional abilities. A comprehensive search was performed of PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Academic Search Premier (ASP), ScienceDirect, Korean Studies Information Service System (KISS), Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), Korea National Library, and the Korean Medical Database up to April, 2014. Fifteen eligible studies researched the effects of robot-assisted gait training to a control group. All outcome measures were classified by International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) domains (body function and structures, activity, and participation) and were pooled for calculating the effect size. The overall effect size of the robot-assisted gait training was .356 [95% confidence interval (CI): .186~.526]. When the effect was compared by the type of electromechanical robot, Gait Trainer (GT) (.471, 95% CI: .320~.621) showed more effective than Lokomat (.169, 95% CI: .063~.275). In addition, acute stroke patients showed more improvement than others. Although robot-assisted gait training may improve function, but there is no scientific evidence about the appropriate treatment time for one session or the appropriate duration of treatment. Additional researchers are needed to include more well-designed trials in order to resolve these uncertainties.