Vietnamese people have one of the highest risks of stroke in the world but treatment facilities in Vietnam are not sufficient to meet the demand, a stroke expert has warned.

The warning was released on Tuesday by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huy Thang, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Stroke Association and head of the cerebrovascular disease ward at the city-based People’s Hospital 115. 

With an estimated rate of 218 stroke patients per 100,000 people, Vietnam is among the countries most vulnerable to stroke, one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, Assoc. Prof. Thang said.

With a population of nearly 100 million people, Vietnam has about 200,000 new cases of stroke yearly, while the current number of stroke units in Vietnam is far less than required, the expert warned.

After 18 years since the first stroke unit was set up at the People’s Hospital 115 in 2005, the country now has 110 stroke treatment facilities but the required number is over 400, Dr. Thang said.

A stroke unit is defined as a dedicated, clearly defined area or ward in a hospital where stroke patients are admitted and cared for by a multi-professional team, according to the European Stroke Organization.

Most of the stroke units in Vietnam are located in large metropolises such as Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, while some large provinces and cities do not have any treatment facilities.

As a result, it takes many patients in many provinces several hours to reach the nearest stroke treatment unit.

Moreover, every stroke unit in Vietnam has to take care of over 2,000 patients per year on average, compared to only 300 in the U.S.

According to some recommendations, it is ideal for a stroke unit in Vietnam to accommodate 500 patients at most, Dr. Thang said.

“That means as many as nearly 400 more stroke units need to be established. It is hoped that half of this figure will be available in the next eight years,” the expert stated.

A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, and in either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death, the CDC warns.

People are advised to seek medical help immediately if they have any of these signs of stroke: numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg; severe headache with no known cause, trouble seeing in one or both eyes; confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech; and trouble walking, dizziness, or problems with balance.

The most effective stroke treatments can be achieved if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within three hours of the first symptoms, the CDC states.

Like us on Facebook or  follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!