Doctors at E Hospital shared this information on 3/7, describing it as a "rare and dramatic" case. After overcoming the second critical episode thanks to vascular intervention, the patient's health is now stable.

Previously, at 22:20 on 2/7, while being monitored in the recovery room after her first stroke, the patient suddenly became disoriented, had slurred speech, and experienced complete paralysis on her left side. Her National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score surged from 1 to 14 points, indicating severe brain damage.

This incident occurred less than a day after the first stroke. The woman was admitted to the hospital at 1:00 on the same day with weakness on her right side. Since there was no major vascular occlusion, doctors prescribed intravenous thrombolytic therapy. Following treatment, the patient responded well, clinical symptoms disappeared, and she had almost fully recovered before the second stroke unexpectedly struck.

Doctor Nguyen Minh Chau, Head of the Diagnostic Imaging Department, explained that the patient had a complex medical history, including atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and a previous biological heart valve replacement. These factors significantly increased the risk of blood clot formation.

During the second onset, another thrombus detached from the heart, traveled to the opposite cerebral hemisphere, and completely blocked the right middle cerebral artery. This dramatic turn of events forced the medical team to race against time to re-establish blood flow, preventing permanent disability or death.

Currently, following a successful thrombectomy intervention, doctors successfully salvaged the patient's critical brain region. This case serves as a warning about the danger of cardiovascular diseases and the risk of immediate recurrent strokes.

Imaging of the patient. Photo: Hospital provided

Cerebral stroke occurs in two forms: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes account for 85% of cases. Hemorrhagic strokes, while accounting for 15%, often lead to more severe complications and a higher mortality rate. Patients with ischemic stroke can quickly fall into a coma and stop breathing if not treated promptly.

To recognize the signs of a stroke, remember the acronym FAST:

- Face: Ask the patient to smile or show their teeth; one side may not move.

- Arm: One arm may be weaker than the other when the patient raises both arms.

- Speech: Slurred speech, inappropriate words, or inability to speak.

- Time: If you suspect any of these symptoms, call emergency services at 115 immediately and note the time symptoms began.

Doctors advise individuals with cardiovascular conditions (arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation) who are at high risk of stroke to proactively undergo regular stroke screenings. This helps prevent unexpected strokes that could impact their health and life.

Thuy Quynh