Can a stroke victim be saved using a needle?

A viral Facebook post claims that a Chinese method involving a needle can save a person dying from a stroke. Is this statement true? Here's what the experts say.

This publication, relayed several times on Facebook, explains how a needle can save a person in the event of a stroke. We have not been able to trace its first publication or its origin. But it caught the attention of Facebook users in the last two months of 2024 who shared it widely.

The affirmation : Here's How to quickly save a person who has just died of a stroke.

Including the title: Cerebral Vascular Accident.

It describes a Chinese method to save a person's life in the event of a stroke.

The method is explained in three steps:

The first step suggests that the needle be sterilized over fire in order to prick all ten fingers of the victim.

The second step suggests ensuring that the blood can circulate easily.

The third step suggests that when all ten fingers start to bleed you should wait a few minutes. She claims that you will see that the victim will come back to life as if he had been resurrected.

The publication also specifies that if the victim's mouth is deformed, the ears should be massaged until they turn red, so that blood can circulate there. Then, according to her, prick each ear in the soft part until two drops of blood flow from each ear. A few minutes later, the deformation of the mouth will disappear, we can read in the publication. Wait until the victim returns to normal without any unusual symptoms and accompany them to the nearest hospital, the publication said, citing it as a method of traditional Chinese medicine, adding that its practice is one hundred percent effective.

Verification

To verify this information, we analyzed the content of the publication and noted some inconsistencies. First, it is difficult to understand how to save a person who has just “succumb” to a stroke.

We also interviewed a neurologist who confirmed to us that this method does not appear in any scientific work and that it is not recognized by modern medicine. However, he suggested that we consult an acupuncturist to find out more.

Acupuncture is a traditional method of Chinese medicine that involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to balance energy and promote healing. It is often used to relieve pain, treat various medical conditions, and improve general well-being.

Being related to the method presented by the publication, we met Dr. Amine Sanni Yaya, head of the acupuncture and rehabilitation department at Ignace Deen University Hospital. For him “Stroke cannot be cured” contrary to what is stated by the publication. “The area where there is necrosis is irreversible.”, he specifies.

He emphasizes that the claim that it is possible to save a person who has suffered a stroke has no scientific basis. However, acupuncture can intervene in the treatment of people who have suffered a stroke as part of rehabilitation by helping them to recover certain lost abilities.

On the other hand, when a person complains of headaches or heaviness in a member of their body, they must be quickly admitted to the hospital for a CT scan or MRI to check if they are the victim of a stroke so that they can be taken care of as soon as possible.

Verdict: It is impossible to save a person who has died of a stroke as the publication claimed.

Although this method has been widely shared on Facebook without concrete testimonials, it has no scientific basis. Since the area of ​​necrosis in a stroke is irreversible, it is not possible to save a person who has died from a stroke using a needle.

Ibrahima Sory Bah