Taiwan man, 40, faced work stress & slept only 4 hours a day, suffers stroke, did not even know he had medical condition

A 40-year-old Taiwanese man who slept only four to five hours a day and was faced with high work pressure suddenly suffered a stroke, but was able to avoid permanent disability as he received medical treatment in time.

The tech engineer, Zhang, did not know he had high blood pressure, Guang Ming Daily reported, adding that he would often stay up late to watch dramas, read novels and play mobile games.

Received treatment in time

However, after suddenly experiencing symptoms including weakness in his right limbs, slurred speech, and drooling, he was rushed to the emergency room Sin Chew Daily reported.

Despite being diagnosed with an acute ischemic stroke, he avoided permanent disability and his brain function was successfully restored as he received medical treatment in time.

Risk factors

A neurologist at Fengyuan Hospital said that Zhang did not seek medical attention as he had not been experiencing any obvious discomfort.

Noting that the risk of stroke is further increased by long-term sleep deprivation and work stress, he added that recent clinical data show the number of stroke patients under the age of 45 to be gradually increasing.

Guang Ming Daily reported that, on top of genetic factors, other risk factors include poor control of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, as well as long-term sleep deprivation, high work pressure, lack of exercise and smoking.

FAST

The neurologist also said signs of stroke can be quickly identified using the "FAST" mnemonic, including Face (facial drooping), Arm (arm weakness), Speech (difficulty speaking), and Time (get to the hospital immediately).

Those who experience any of these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, he added.

Patients who arrive at the hospital and complete the assessment as early as four and a half hours after the onset of symptoms can receive intravenous thrombolysis treatment if they meet the criteria, he said.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, this refers to treatment that stops blood clots and can lessen the damage from a heart attack, pulmonary embolism or stroke.