Stroke

The Hyangyak chipsong pang and the Tongui pogam describe the main symptoms of stroke, including col­lapse, loss of speech, paralysis, loss of faculties, and inability to move the extremities. Fat people over 50 were said to be most susceptible to strokes. Numb­ness in the thumb and fingers, weakness in the hands and feet, and a numb or tingling sensation were considered warning symptoms that a severe stroke might occur within 3 years. Treatment was provided even if the patient was unconscious. When the person could not talk or swallow, medicine could be boiled so that the patient would inhale the steam. Medicine could also be blown directly into the nose, but if the patient could not inhale, the case was judged incurable.