Effects of Modified Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction Combined with Low-Frequency Electrical Stimulation on Ischemic Stroke of Wind-Phlegm-Blood Stasis Syndrome

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of modified Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction combined with low-frequency electrical stimulation on patients with ischemic stroke of wind-phlegm-blood stasis syndrome.MethodsA total of 94 patients in the recovery phase of ischemic stroke, admitted to the rehabilitation department outpatient clinic of Weihai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between December 2019 and December 2023, were selected and randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 47 patients in each group. The control group received low-frequency electrical stimulation therapy on the basis of conventional medication, once daily, with one week of treatment followed by a one-week break, repeated for three courses (6 weeks in total). The observation group additionally received modified Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction for 6 consecutive weeks besides the control group's regimen. Before and after treatment, neurocognitive function was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE); self-care ability was assessed using the Modified Barthel Index (MBI); limb motor function was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the balance section of the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA). Cerebral hemodynamics were measured via ultrasound, including peak flow velocity (Vp), mean flow velocity (Vm), symmetry difference of peak flow velocity (DVp), and symmetry difference of mean flow velocity (DVm). Adverse reactions in both groups were recorded during the treatment period.Results(1) Neurocognitive function and self-care ability: compared with those before treatment, the NIHSS scores in both groups decreased significantly after treatment (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05), and the MMSE and MBI scores significantly increased (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05). Compared with the control group, the NIHSS score in the observation group was lower after treatment (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05), and the MMSE and MBI scores were higher (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05). (2) Limb motor function: compared with those before treatment, the FMA of upper extremity, FMA of lower extremity, BBS, and POMA scores of both groups significantly increased after treatment (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05). Compared with the control group, the FMA of upper extremity, FMA of lower extremity, BBS, and POMA scores in the observation group were higher (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05). (3) Cerebral hemodynamics: compared with those before treatment, the Vp and Vm of both groups increased significantly after treatment (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05), and the DVp and DVm significantly decreased (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05). Compared with the control group, the Vp and Vm in the observation group were higher after treatment (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05), and the DVp and DVm scores were lower (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05). (4) Adverse reactions: There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (<italic>P</italic>&gt;0.05).ConclusionModified Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction combined with low-frequency electrical stimulation can synergistically improve cerebral hemodynamics, enhance neurocognitive function, activities of daily living, and limb motor function in patients with ischemic stroke of wind-phlegm-blood stasis syndrome, demonstrating a favorable safety profile.