STROKE GOLDEN HOUR: TIMELY EMERGENCY CARE HELPS PATIENT REGAIN WALKING ABILITY AFTER ONE WEEK OF TREATMENT

STROKE GOLDEN HOUR: TIMELY EMERGENCY CARE HELPS PATIENT REGAIN WALKING ABILITY AFTER ONE WEEK OF TREATMENT

On a morning that began like any other, a 57-year-old male patient suddenly collapsed with facial drooping, slurred speech, left-sided weakness, and altered consciousness. Recognizing the critical situation, his family promptly rushed him to Tam Tri Nha Trang General Hospital for emergency care.

Fortunately, the patient arrived at the hospital within the stroke "golden hour"—just about one hour after symptom onset. Doctors immediately activated the emergency CODE STROKE protocol, urgently evaluated his condition, and administered thrombolytic (clot-busting) therapy as indicated.

Positive signs appeared within a short time. Approximately 30 minutes after treatment, the patient was able to speak again.

The challenge in this case stemmed not only from the acute stroke but also from the patient's underlying severe heart failure, requiring continuous close monitoring and tight multidisciplinary coordination throughout treatment.

After one week of intensive care, the patient showed remarkable recovery, regaiming the ability to walk unassisted and gradually returning to daily activities.

Do not miss the golden hour when a stroke occurs!

Common stroke signs to recognize:

• FACIAL DROOPING: One side of the face droops or is uneven when smiling.

• SPEECH DIFFICULTY: Slurred speech, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.

• ARM/LEG WEAKNESS: Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body.

• SUDDEN DIZZINESS / LOSS OF BALANCE: Especially when accompanied by other neurological symptoms.

• CONSCIOUSNESS IMPAIRMENT: Drowsiness, decreased alertness, or sudden confusion.

When a stroke is suspected, head to the hospital immediately. Do not give the patient food, drink, or medications on your own, and do not wait to see if symptoms improve.

The golden window for treating acute ischemic stroke with intravenous thrombolytic therapy is typically within 4.5 hours from symptom onset, following medical evaluation and eligibility determination by physicians. However, patients must reach the hospital as early as possible.

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For consultation and further information, please contact:

TAM TRI NHA TRANG GENERAL HOSPITAL
 57–59 Cao Thang Street, Nam Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
 Website: bvtamtrinhatrang.com.vn
 Phone: 0906 557 535
 24/7 Emergency Hotline: 0935 088 802