On 16/5, Dr. Nguyen Huu But, a first-degree specialist in the Department of Surgical Anesthesia and Resuscitation at S.I.S Can Tho International General Hospital, stated that the child patient arrived in a deep coma with constricted pupils. A cranial CT scan showed severe brain hemorrhage, with blood spilling into the cerebral ventricles and causing acute brain compression. Cerebral angiography images also revealed a cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM), an abnormal connection of blood vessels that had ruptured, leading to massive bleeding.

Facing a life-threatening situation, the hospital activated a multidisciplinary consultation, agreeing on DSA endovascular intervention to embolize the vascular malformation. This procedure aimed to urgently stop the bleeding and prevent further hemorrhage before surgery.

Doctors perform DSA endovascular intervention to embolize the brain vascular malformation for the child patient. Photo: Hospital provided

Dr. Nguyen Luu Giang, head of the DSA unit and a second-degree specialist, noted that this was a challenging case due to the patient's young age, complex brain vascular lesion, and high mortality risk. After controlling the bleeding source, the team faced the next challenge: removing the hematoma to reduce brain compression, limit damage, and mitigate the risk of sequelae.

According to Dr. Nguyen Quang Hung, head of the Neurosurgery Unit and a first-degree specialist, the team utilized 3D hematoma localization technology, a neuro-navigation system, and minimally invasive microsurgery. These advanced techniques allowed for precise access to the lesion, minimizing impact on healthy brain tissue.

Doctors operate on the child patient. Photo: Hospital provided

After surgery, the child was transferred to the intensive care unit in a sedated coma, on mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube. Over the next 5 days, the patient received intensive treatment, including respiratory support, anti-brain swelling measures, ventricular drainage care, infection prevention, and early mobilization exercises. Currently, the child is responsive to calls, follows commands, breathes well independently, and has been extubated, with a good prognosis for recovery.

Stroke in children differs from adults, with most cases of brain hemorrhage linked to congenital cerebral vascular malformations. This field remains a challenge for many medical facilities due to the rarity of the condition, its rapid progression, and the demand for in-depth coordination among multiple specialties, alongside modern equipment for emergency care and treatment.

Before a stroke, children may only experience transient headaches, seizures, loss of consciousness, or weakness on one side of the body, making symptoms easily overlooked. Therefore, parents should not be complacent if a child exhibits persistent headaches, facial drooping, limb weakness, speech difficulties, or unusual seizures, as these could be warning signs of a stroke or a dangerous neurological condition.

How a stroke occurs:

Le Phuong