Quick Action at Aster Sanad Hospital Saves Stroke Patient

Riyadh: In a dramatic and successful case of stroke management, Aster Sanad Hospital, part of the leading integrated healthcare provider – Aster DM Healthcare, saved the life of a 54-year-old engineer from Nepal who suffered a massive cerebellar stroke. Arriving in a deep coma with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 3/15, the patient achieved a full neurological recovery within just 10 days – an extraordinary outcome considering the typical recovery period of 4-6 weeks.

The patient, who had neglected managing his hypertension and diabetes, collapsed suddenly due to the stroke, which involved a large hemorrhagic cerebellar infarction compressing the brainstem. An urgent MRI revealed acute buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles, causing significant brainstem compression which can prove to be life-threatening. The patient was immediately resuscitated and underwent critical surgery performed by Dr. Ahmed Tamam, Consultant Neurosurgeon at Aster Sanad Hospital. The surgery relieved the compression on the cerebellar arteries and brainstem, leading to an immediate improvement in the patient’s condition.

Globally, stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 15 million people suffer a stroke each year, resulting in nearly 5 million deaths and another 5 million left permanently disabled. In the Middle East and North Africa region, In 2019, there were 7.3 million prevalent cases of stroke in 2019. The rising cases of hypertension and diabetes contribute significantly to the region’s stroke burden.

Aster Sanad Hospital’s stroke code protocol ensures rapid and coordinated action during the critical moments following a stroke. Patients undergo prompt assessment, followed by an immediate head scan and rapid interpretation of the results. This enables quick decisions on clot-dissolving medications or surgical intervention. Timely treatment in this urgent window is crucial in minimizing brain damage and improving clinical outcomes, significantly enhancing the chances of a successful recovery.

Commenting on the case, Dr Essam Saad Alghamdi, Chief Executive Officer, Aster Sanad Hospital said, “This case highlights the critical importance of rapid intervention in stroke management. The fact that our patient achieved full recovery in just 10 days, compared to the average of 4-6 weeks, is a testament to our skilled team and Aster Sanad’s strong stroke protocol. We are committed to ensuring world-class care with immediate intervention and advanced treatment solutions.”

 Dr. Ahmed Tamam, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Aster Sanad Hospital stated, “Recognizing the early signs of stroke can make a life-saving difference. Symptoms such as sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, trouble speaking, and loss of coordination should prompt immediate medical attention. Regular health check-ups, especially for managing risk factors like hypertension and diabetes, are essential in preventing strokes and ensuring our community remains healthy.”

With rapid response and precise execution, the patient achieved an extraordinary recovery. Just five days after surgery, he was discharged and returned for follow-up, fully mobile and symptom-free. This case underscores Aster Sanad Hospital’s commitment to excellence in stroke management, where teamwork across the emergency, radiology, operating theatre, and ICU departments was pivotal in the patient’s optimal healthcare outcome.

Timely interventions like clot-dissolving medications or surgery can drastically improve survival rates and recovery. Aster Sanad Hospital continues to leverage cutting-edge technology and expertise to provide the best possible outcomes for patients in need.