Pakistani expat undergoes life-saving procedure after suffering stroke

He suffered a brain hemorrhage after one of the multiple aneurysms ruptured   

 Dubai: A 38-year-old Pakistani expat who suffered a stroke has undergone life-saving surgery at a private hospital here in Dubai. Diagnosed with large aneurysms in the brain, Muhammad Ashfaq had a brain hemorrhage. 

 Working with a logistics company, Ashfaq had no health risks till September, when he was diagnosed with multiple aneurysms in his brain. He was shocked to learn that he had a life-threatening condition and had to undergo an emergency procedure. 

 “I was perfectly healthy. I do not remember the last time I took medicines. I do not smoke or eat unhealthy food. I have no history of lifestyle disorders,” said Ashfaq. 

 “Around mid-September, I experienced a sudden onset of severe headache. I had never experienced a similar headache earlier in my life. It was excruciatingly painful that I could not sit or sleep. I went to a nearby clinic, and the doctor there prescribed some medicines,” he added. 

 However, despite taking the medicines for two days, the headache did not subside. But it aggravated that the pain became unbearable.

<strong>Pakistani expat undergoes life-saving procedure after suffering stroke</strong>

Seeing Ashfaq’s condition, his brother took him to Aster Hospital, Qusais, for a detailed check-up. They consulted Dr. Sandeep Burathoki, consultant interventional neuroradiologist, who ordered a brain MRI. The test result revealed multiple aneurysms in the brain along with a brain hemorrhage. 

 “The scan report showed multiple aneurysms in his brain. But there were two large mirror aneurysms, of which one had already ruptured causing leakage of blood into the brain. It demanded immediate intervention to save his life,” said Dr. Burathoki, who managed the case through a minimally-invasive procedure without opening the skull of the patient by endovascular means. 

 Treatment in two phases

 Ashfaq was treated in two phases. Initially, the doctor managed the ruptured aneurysm through an interventional procedure and the other aneurysm in the next phase. 

 According to Dr. Burathoki, both aneurysms were about 11 mm so an interventional management was necessary. “Any aneurysm larger than 7 mm can rupture any time, making the case complex and risky. But fortunately, we could manage it successfully, and there were no complications,” said Dr. Burathoki. 

 Recovering well after the procedure, Ashfaq said he is now happy and relieved. “Firstly, I want to thank Allah for His kindness and benevolence. He listened to our prayers. That is the reason why I am alive today. I am also grateful to Dr. Burathoki and the team at Aster Hospital, Qusais, for giving me the best treatment and care,” he said.