Early Detection and One-Year Follow-Up of Subclavian Steal Syndrome Treated With Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Case Report

Subclavian steal syndrome (SSS) often goes undiagnosed because of its variable and subtle symptoms, highlighting the need for innovative diagnostic approaches. This case report explores the integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in both diagnosing and managing SSS, marking a pioneering contribution to the field. An 80-year-old woman with persistent dizziness, unresponsive to conventional treatments, underwent TCM pulse diagnosis, which revealed significant inter-arm pulse discrepancies. Subsequent Western imaging confirmed SSS. The patient was treated with Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) targeting Qi deficiency and blood stasis, resulting in significant symptom improvement and a reduction in inter-arm systolic blood pressure disparities. Follow-up over 1 year showed sustained benefits. The integration of TCM pulse diagnosis, CHMs, and Western imaging highlights their complementary roles and potential as adjunctive therapies for managing SSS, offering a novel and comprehensive therapeutic strategy.