Early intervention combining Chinese and Western medicine in traumatic brain injury with diffuse axonal injury: A report of three cases

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a specific type of TBI leading to prolonged consciousness impairment and disability. There is still no standard treatment for DAI, so we introduced traditional Chinese medicine into the treatment of these patients. CASE SUMMARIES: Three patients had TBI after traffic accidents. Their Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores in the intensive care unit (ICU) were E(1)V(E)M(2)-(3), E(1)V(E)M(2)-(3), and E(1)V(E)M(2) respectively. All of them were diagnosed with DAI based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Because of continuing consciousness disturbances, their families agreed to combine traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine treatments through inpatient consultation in Taoyuan General hospital. Two patients took Buyang Huanwu Decoction, and one Tianma Gouteng Decoction twice a day. All of them received 20 min of acupuncture treatments 5 times per week. Acupuncture points included Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Shuigou (GV26), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3). All of them started Traditional Chinese medicine treatment within 2 weeks after TBI. The GCS of all three patients recovered to E(4)M(5)V(6). CONCLUSIONS: The early addition of traditional Chinese medicine treatments to Western medical care can improve the prognosis of patients with diffuse axonal injury.