Combining eastern and western medicine to reduce stroke sequelae

Vietnam is promoting the integration of traditional and modern medicine in treating cerebrovascular diseases, aiming to reduce mortality and disability rates as its stroke cases are among the highest in Southeast Asia.

Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong highlighted this approach at an international scientific conference on cerebrovascular disease prevention and treatment, organized by the National Hospital of Traditional Medicine on 19/12/2024. Ministry of Health leadership views combining both medical systems as a strategic direction for comprehensive public healthcare, beyond a professional requirement.

Statistics from the Ministry of Health reveal that Vietnam has an estimated 222 new stroke cases per 100,000 population annually. The overall prevalence reaches 1,541 per 100,000 population, placing Vietnam among countries with the highest number of patients in the region. This condition is concerning due to its increasing prevalence among younger individuals, which places significant pressure on the healthcare system. The consequences are severe: 71% of patients lose their ability to work after treatment, and stroke costs approximately 1,12% of the global GDP in medical expenses.

A doctor performs electroacupuncture on a patient. Photo: Minh Nhat

In response to this situation, experts assert that modern medicine plays a pivotal role in early diagnosis, "golden hour" emergency care, and treating the root causes. Traditional medicine, conversely, excels in prevention, rehabilitation, and mitigating sequelae.

Associate Professor Doctor Vu Nam, Director of the National Hospital of Traditional Medicine, stated that his institution is effectively implementing an "integrated" Eastern-Western medicine model. Doctors utilize advanced diagnostic imaging tools such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and cerebral doppler ultrasound to diagnose the condition. Concurrently, the hospital applies traditional medicine's dialectical treatment principles for classification, therapy, and rehabilitation. The institution has also collaborated with scientists to standardize treatment protocols, research, and formulate 60 medicinal products for patient care.

From an international perspective, Professor Doctor Lu Yang from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (Trung Quoc) explained that cerebrovascular disease, known as "trung phong" in Eastern medicine, originates from imbalances of yin and yang, qi and blood, and dysfunction of the zang-fu organs (heart, liver, kidney). He noted that many traditional Chinese medicine products have demonstrated neuroprotective capabilities and improved cerebral circulation through modern pharmacological research. Some preparations also enhance physical condition and boost patient immunity during the recovery phase.

From a business perspective, Ms. Lu Lan Nhi, Chairwoman of Tho Sinh Duong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., believes East Asian traditional medicine is a valuable heritage developed over thousands of years. However, for these values to genuinely integrate into daily life, a selective, standardized, transparent, scientific, and responsible approach is essential.