12-year-old boy battles severe brain stroke in Hanoi

While playing normally, the boy suddenly clutched his head and ran to his father, saying, "I have such a headache."

Moments later, he began vomiting repeatedly, sweating profusely, and appeared unusually drowsy.

The family initially thought the boy might be coming down with a cold, but when his condition worsened, they rushed him to a district hospital. There, doctors suspected a stroke and quickly transferred him to Saint Paul's General Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a severe brain stroke.

A representative from Saint Paul's Hospital, where the boy is still under treatment, shared that the child had no previous health issues. Upon admission, he was in a coma and required intubated mechanical ventilation. A CT scan revealed a large hematoma caused by the rupture of a cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM), with a grave prognosis.

Doctors performed an endovascular intervention to prevent rebleeding, which carries a very high risk of death. The child remains under close monitoring as doctors continue to provide critical care.

A man looks at his 12-year-old son suffering from brain stroke at Saint Paul's General Hospital in Hanoi, March 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Thuy Quynh

In recent months, the hospital has seen an increasing number of cases involving children and young people suffering from strokes complicated by severe hemorrhaging. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or rupture (hemorrhagic stroke) of a blood vessel. This can cause brain cells to die, leading to a loss of brain function.

Associate Professor Pham Hong Duc, head of the hospital's Radiology Department, explained that many strokes in children are caused by congenital cerebral vascular malformations. Symptoms can include headaches or seizures, but in some cases, there may be no initial warning, with a sudden hemorrhage leading to a coma.

Experts emphasize that strokes in children are rare but can have devastating consequences, often resulting in physical and mental impairments.

Doctors advise parents to seek immediate medical attention if their child shows signs of a severe headache or seizures. A CT scan or MRI of the brain is essential to diagnose potential cerebral vascular malformations. If a malformation is found, doctors will assess the severity of the damage and determine the best course of action, which may include monitoring or preventive intervention to reduce the risk of bleeding. In cases of frequent, medication-resistant seizures, proactive endovascular intervention may also be necessary.

Medical professionals urge parents to be vigilant and seek prompt diagnosis and treatment for any abnormal neurological symptoms in their children.