Atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries, can lead to serious health problems such as stroke. Mr. Ninh, a 63-year-old man from Hanoi, initially thought his dizziness and loss of balance were due to a vestibular disorder. However, after visiting a doctor, he was diagnosed with atherosclerosis in multiple segments of his cerebral arteries, putting him at high risk for a stroke. Despite taking medication for white matter degeneration, Mr. Ninh did not see improvement and began experiencing additional symptoms such as headaches and numbness in his arms and legs. He sought further examination at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hien, the Director of the Center for Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, determined that Mr. Ninh had severe narrowing of the basilar artery, along with other issues in his vascular system. Due to his high risk of stroke, it was recommended that Mr. Ninh undergo immediate dilation and stenting to prevent a potentially life-threatening event.
During the procedure, the medical team faced challenges due to the weakened state of Mr. Ninh’s blood vessel walls but successfully managed to dilate and place a stent in the narrowed basilar artery.
Post-treatment, Mr. Ninh underwent rehabilitation and received anticoagulants to prevent further clotting while addressing his blood lipid disorders to prevent further atherosclerosis.
Basilar artery stenosis is characterized by the narrowing of blood vessels supplying the brain stem and can be extremely dangerous if left untreated.
However, timely intervention and careful management can lead to positive outcomes as seen with Mr. Ninh’s health improving significantly following the procedure.
Mr. Ninh was discharged from the hospital after a successful recovery.
Associate Professor Hien emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in preventing conditions such as atherosclerosis which can lead to serious health issues like stroke.
Maintaining a balanced diet without smoking or consuming excessive alcohol are crucial steps towards preserving cardiovascular health and overall well-being while seeking medical attention for any concerning symptoms is also essential for early detection and prevention of these conditions from becoming severe enough to cause harm or even death.
