Measles Encephalitisaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Infectious Diseases, Viral Infections
Did you mean? Measles Encephalitis
What is Measles Encephalitis?
Measles encephalitis is a severe complication of measles, marked by brain inflammation. This condition can arise during the acute phase of measles or as a delayed response. Common symptoms include fever, headaches, vomiting, neck stiffness, light sensitivity, seizures, and changes in consciousness. This acute neurological disorder highlights the critical need for early measles vaccination and prompt medical intervention when symptoms arise.
How Does TCM View Measles Encephalitis?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), measles encephalitis is perceived as an imbalance caused by the deep penetration of external pathogenic factors, primarily Wind, Heat, and Toxicity.
These factors disrupt the harmony of Qi and Blood, affecting the Brain and Mind. The TCM approach focuses on rebalancing the body's energies and removing pathogenic influences to address the condition.
Causes of Measles Encephalitis According to TCM
TCM attributes measles encephalitis to the disturbance of Heat at the Qi and Blood levels, as defined in the Four-Level Theory. At the Qi level, Heat manifests as high fever, irritability, and a rapid pulse. As it penetrates deeper into the Blood level, it leads to more severe symptoms such as convulsions and disturbed consciousness. This progression reflects a significant internal Heat accumulation, requiring immediate attention in TCM treatment.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Measles Encephalitis
In treating measles encephalitis, TCM focuses on clearing Heat from the Qi and Blood levels. Formulas like Qing Wen Bai Du Yin, with Gypsum (Shi Gao) as a key component, are used for their Cooling and detoxifying properties.
This formula is tailored to address the high fever and inflammation characteristic of Heat at the Qi and Blood levels, aiming to restore balance and alleviate neurological symptoms. This approach underscores TCM's holistic strategy in treating complex conditions by targeting the underlying disharmony.
See more details below about Qing Wen Bai Du Yin, a herbal formula used to address measles encephalitis.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
Measles encephalitis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity if it arises from heat toxins affecting the body.
One such formula is Qing Wen Bai Du Yin, with gypsum as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Measles Encephalitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address measles encephalitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Measles encephalitis can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Gypsum (Shi Gao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for measles encephalitis, like Qing Wen Bai Du Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for measles encephalitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Gypsum (Shi Gao) | Qing Wen Bai Du Yin |
| Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu) | Qing Wen Bai Du Yin |