A 38-year-old man experienced a sudden, severe dizzy spell while working at a construction site in TP HCM. His left limbs progressively weakened, rendering him unable to walk independently. Approximately 3 hours after symptoms began, he was rushed to Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital co so 2 emergency room with suspected acute ischemic stroke.
Doctors at the Emergency Resuscitation Center swiftly diagnosed cerebral infarction and activated the Stroke Code protocol. Being within the critical "golden window" for treatment, and with cerebral hemorrhage ruled out by imaging, the patient received thrombolytic medication to restore blood flow to his brain.
Further evaluations, including brain MRI, CT perfusion, and cerebral angiography, confirmed successful revascularization with no remaining blood clots or significant narrowing. Within 24 hours, the patient's numbness and weakness on his left side resolved, and his motor and communication abilities nearly returned to normal. He is now undergoing preventive treatment and rehabilitation to minimize recurrence risks.
The patient disclosed a prior diagnosis of high blood pressure, which he had neglected, failing to attend regular follow-up appointments and taking medication inconsistently. As a wood furniture craftsman and the primary earner for his family, he recounted the sudden onset of dizziness and subsequent limb weakness. "Fortunately, I was brought to the hospital in time, so my health recovered quickly", he stated.
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A doctor from Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital examines the patient. *Photo: Hospital provided*
Doctor Huynh An Khang observed a concerning trend of stroke affecting younger individuals, particularly those in their working age. He identified common risk factors as high blood pressure, smoking, metabolic disorders, prolonged stress, and a sedentary lifestyle.
"High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke, yet many remain complacent because the disease progresses silently", Doctor Khang emphasized. He warned that uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to dangerous complications such as stroke, heart failure, or death.
Stroke is an extremely urgent medical emergency, often summarized by the phrase "time is brain." The public should recognize warning signs like facial drooping, arm or leg weakness or paralysis, difficulty speaking, slurred speech, loss of balance, or sudden changes in consciousness. Immediate transportation to a stroke-capable medical facility is crucial to leverage the "golden hour", significantly increasing recovery chances and reducing complications.
Doctor Vo Thuy Van, Deputy Head of the Emergency Resuscitation Department at Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital, provided recommendations for stroke prevention. She stressed the importance of managing underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Her advice includes maintaining physical activity for at least 150 minutes each week, consuming plenty of green vegetables and fruits, limiting tobacco and alcohol, and undergoing regular health check-ups.
Le Phuong
