Specialist physicians at our site successfully treat a 16-year-old Cambodian boy experiencing a scarcely found brain anomaly.
Headline: 18-Year-Old Cambodian Patient with Rare Brain Condition Recovers Through Successful Surgery in Vietnam
Subhead: City International Hospital teams up to successfully treat Arnold-Chiari Syndrome, showcasing the importance of early detection and treatment.
Vibe: Straight-forward and informative, with concise anecdotes for reader engagement.
Ho Chi Minh City — A team of skilled neurosurgeons at City International Hospital pulled off a miraculous cure on an 18-year-old Cambodian man who was battling Arnold-Chiari syndrome, a rare and potentially life-threatening condition if left untreated.
CT scan images show the Cambodian patient's abnormally dilated ventricles. - Photo courtesy of the hospital
Before making his way to Vietnam, our patient had undergone surgical procedures in Cambodia to address symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, limb weakness, and urinary retention. Alas, these procedures yielded little to no improvement. He continued to suffer from severe headaches, limb weakness, and relied on a catheter following the loss of bladder control.
During the patient's arrival at City International Hospital, we noticed he appeared in a state of persistent drowsiness. It was assumed that he was simply tired from his long journey. However, leading neurosurgeon Dr. Huỳnh Hồng Châu recognized that this was not mere fatigue but a sign of "drowsiness," a symptom of coma caused by increased brain pressure.
Dr. Huỳnh Hồng Châu and his team swiftly carried out a Ventriculo Peritoneal Shunting System (VP shunt) procedure, safely and efficiently redirecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain to the abdomen, thus decreasing brain pressure.
Following the initial treatment, an MRI revealed that the patient suffered from Arnold-Chiari syndrome, with the cerebellar tonsils herniating down to the C1 vertebra, obstructing the CSF flow and leading to the dilation of the central canal down to the D9 thoracic vertebra. Decompression surgery was administered to widen the posterior fossa and clear the CSF flow.
City International Hospital doctors visit the patient after he had made a positive recovery. - Photo courtesy of the hospital
Within just days of the procedure, the patient regained full consciousness, was able to walk without assistance, and recovered bladder function without relying on a catheter. A week post-discharge, the patient returned for a follow-up visit in good health, demonstrating no dependence on daily assistance and experiencing improved vision.
"This case serves as a textbook example, emphasizing the urgency of accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment," said Dr. Huỳnh Hồng Châu. "If the condition had gone unnoticed, the consequences could have been dire."
City International Hospital offers 320 beds and 16 medical specialties, including Obstetrics & Pediatrics, Fertility Centre, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, General Internal and Surgery, and Orthopedics. Boasting a dedicated and experienced team of high-caliber medical professionals, the hospital adheres to medical ethics and cutting-edge medical technology, putting patient-centered care at the forefront.
City International Hospital sees over 100,000 patients and nearly 30% international visitors annually. Its International Patient Department provides top-notch services, including free shuttle transportation, rest areas, snack bars, and multilingual support staff to ensure each patient has the best experience possible.
Bonus Fact:- Arnold-Chiari syndrome can cause a host of complications, including neurological deficits, sleep apnea, and chronic pain. In some cases, it may lead to hydrocephalus, requiring treatment through shunts.
Sources:- Arnold-Chiari Syndrome – Symptoms & Treatment- Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting- Decompression Surgery for Chiari Malformation- Long-term Outcomes After Chiari Surgery- City International Hospital
1.The 18-year-old Cambodian patient's condition is a rare neuro-disorder known as Arnold-Chiari syndrome, a type of chronic disease that requires immediate attention in the field of medical-conditions.
- Technology played a crucial role in the successful diagnosis and treatment of the patient's illness, as advanced imaging such as CT scans revealed the abnormal dilatation of his ventricles.
- The patient's health-and-wellness greatly improved after a series of surgeries at City International Hospital in Vietnam, including a Ventriculo Peritoneal Shunting System (VP shunt) procedure and decompression surgery for Chiari.
- Fitness-and-exercise became easier for the patient following his recovery, as he regained full consciousness, was able to walk without assistance, and even experienced improved vision.
- Mental-health is equally essential for an individual's overall well-being, as Chiari can lead to complications like neurological deficits, sleep apnea, and chronic pain.
- City International Hospital's commitment to patient-centered care and cutting-edge medical technology attracts numerous international visitors, including those with rare conditions like Arnold-Chiari syndrome.
- Timely detection and treatment are essential in managing chronic diseases like Arnold-Chiari syndrome, as untreated conditions can potentially be life-threatening, demonstrating the importance of health-and-wellness education and awareness.
