Application of Kampo medicines in the clinical treatment of chronic subdural hematoma

Abstract

Although Kampo medicines such as goreisan and saireito are administered as a first medication in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (CSH), many effects have been reported but a clinical field experience is unclear. In this paper, we conducted a questionnaire survey of doctors at the Kumamoto University School of Neurosurgery regarding medical treatment for CSH. Among the respondents, 58% of neurosurgeons administered goreisan and 17% administered saireito as first medication for CSH. The effects of these two medications were considered to be almost equivalent, but limited. The use of saireito for intractable CSH has been increasing lately. Although the effects of goreisan and saireito were considered to be very similar, because serious side effects have been reported for the latter, it was considered that the former is preferable as a first-line drug in the treatment of CSH.