Dr. Le Hoang Nhat Nam of the Emergency Unit at Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7, reported that Mr. Tao arrived at the emergency room with a blood pressure of 190/90 mmHg (normal is 120/80 mmHg) and a stable pulse of 70 beats per minute. He had a mild headache and sudden weakness, but his muscle strength returned to 5/5. He was conscious, alert, and responsive.

Mr. Tao's Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 15/15. The GCS is a medical scale used to assess a person's level of consciousness, particularly in cases of traumatic brain injury, coma, stroke, or any condition affecting the central nervous system.

According to Dr. Nam, Mr. Tao experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke. This is a sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain that resolves completely within 24 hours, usually lasting from a few minutes to under an hour. Mr. Tao was given medication to control his blood pressure and admitted for observation.

Emergency "Code Stroke" procedures ensure swift and timely intervention for stroke patients. Image: Hospital provided

Emergency "Code Stroke" procedures ensure swift and timely intervention for stroke patients. Image: Hospital provided

Dr. Nam explained that Mr. Tao's symptoms had improved on their own by the time he arrived at the hospital, so no intensive medical intervention was required. TIA and stroke symptoms are similar. However, recovery from a TIA is typically rapid, often without lasting effects, because the reduced blood flow is brief and doesn't cause significant brain damage. However, a TIA serves as a warning sign that a full-blown stroke could occur at any time.

The ABCD2 score, a tool used to predict the risk of early stroke after a TIA, indicated that Mr. Tao's risk was very high at 6 (on a scale of 0 to 7).

Dr. Nam recommends that anyone who experiences symptoms of a TIA undergo early stroke risk screening. This can include basic tests like blood glucose, electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure, chest X-ray, and MRI to examine the brain's blood vessels for any narrowing or blockages. Depending on the degree of narrowing, treatment may involve medication or stent placement. Even with normal test results, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups are essential.

Nhat Thanh

*The patient's name has been changed.