Randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled clinical trial on correspondence of prescriptions and Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome of ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of correspondence of prescriptions and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome of ischemic stroke. METHODS: Based on standard syndrome diagnosis and a series of effective formulas, a randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled clinical trial on correspondence of prescriptions and the TCM syndrome of ischemic stroke was conducted. The formulas were dynamically changed according to the patient's TCM syndrome. RESULTS: The treatment was composed of a series of formulas changed daily according to the TCM syndrome. Treatments which were composed of a series of formulas had similar short-term (1 month after onset) effects in improving mild and moderate neurological deficits compared with treatments composed of only one formula. However, patients treated with a series of formulas showed improved subjective symptoms in the short-term and a decreased risk of stroke recurrence within three months after onset. CONCLUSION: Complete (series of formulas) and incomplete (only one formula) correspondence of prescriptions and TCM syndrome have similar effects on the central clinical manifestation of ischemic stroke, such as neurological deficit and activities in daily living. However, they have significant differences regarding individual dysfunctions, such as subjective symptoms. (C) 2012 JTCM. All rights reserved.