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If both sides of the body are simultaneously affected, resulting in numbness and loss of sensation in both the left and right limbs, this is the most severe condition. The term "Bu Ren" (Numbness/Loss of Sensation) refers to the inability to move and the lack of awareness of pain or itch. This corresponds to what Master Zhongjing (Zhang Zhongjing) termed "Cu Bing" (Sudden Onset Disease), which refers to a disease that strikes suddenly with coma and loss of consciousness. If only one side (left or right) is affected, the condition is slightly milder; this corresponds to what Master Zhongjing termed "Pian Ku" (Hemiplegia/Paralysis on one side) (detailed in *Jin Gui Yao Lue*). These two categories represent the major pathways of stroke pathology. If the wind pathogen invades the Zang organs, it becomes incurable.

If there is merely facial paralysis (deviation of mouth and eyes), or only the inability to raise an arm, or only the inability to use a leg, or only aphasia (tongue stiffness and inability to speak), or only numbness in a fixed location (numbness is synonymous with Bu Ren), these five conditions indicate that the pathology resides in the Sun Luo (collateral vessels). If left untreated for a long time, the pathogen may gradually penetrate into the Da Jing (major meridians). Therefore, pathology in the Zang organs is extremely severe, with life or death determined within two to three days; pathology in the Da Jing is slightly milder, often requiring years or months to gradually recover; pathology in the Sun Luo is the lightest, and may even resolve spontaneously without medication.

The above section discusses the severity of the disease based on its anatomical location.

The Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) of the human body governs perception when associated with the Five Spirits, and governs movement when warming the four limbs. Originally, it responds synchronously on both sides and functions cooperatively, enabling clear hearing and vision, precise thought, and free movement of hands and feet. If wind pathogens damage the Wei Qi, any failure in correspondence at one site will render one side useless, causing both perception and movement to become sluggish. As the saying goes, "If one horse does not run, all horses cease." Consequently, after a stroke, patients often exhibit symptoms of stagnation and dullness; even individuals who were naturally quick-tempered and agile may become slow and lethargic. This occurs because the mind desires to move forward, but the body does not follow, as the Yi (Will) cannot command the Wei Qi, and the Wei Qi cannot command the Xing (Form). Thus, perception becomes confused and forgetful, and movement becomes difficult and sluggish. This describes the state where the pathogenic wind has subsided after the onset of illness, but the Wei Qi has not yet recovered.

At the initial stage of the disease, patients also experience coma and loss of consciousness. Whether the wind strikes one side of the body or the small collaterals, coma and loss of consciousness occur because the Wei Qi is suddenly attacked by the wind pathogen and loses autonomous control. After one or two days, or seven to eight days, as the wind pathogen slightly subsides, although the injured Wei Qi on one side cannot immediately recover, the uninjured Wei Qi on the other side can still function, allowing the patient's mental status to gradually clarify. Several days later, or after one or two months, the uninjured Wei Qi gradually nourishes the injured Wei Qi, allowing patients with hemiplegia to gradually regain flexibility. If treated correctly, the uninjured Wei Qi can gradually assist through nourishment, while the injured Wei Qi regenerates daily. In this way, balance is restored between both sides, and perception and movement return to normal.

The method for distinguishing severity is as follows: If the patient is initially comatose with phlegm-rattling and rapid breathing, but becomes calm and clear-headed after one day, this indicates minimal pathogenic invasion and is the mildest form of disease. If calmness and clarity are achieved after one or two days, this indicates slightly more severe invasion and a moderately serious condition. If calmness and clarity are achieved after seven to eight days, or ten-plus days, this indicates relatively severe invasion and a major condition. If the patient remains unable to achieve calmness and clarity, and instead exhibits upward rushing of breath and wheezing, this indicates the most severe invasion, where the pathogen has directly entered the Zang organs, the righteous Qi is completely exhausted, and the condition is incurable.

The above section discusses the diagnosis of severity based on the intensity of the wind pathogen.