Against the Clock: Multidisciplinary Care Saves 51-Year-Old Stroke Patient in Sharjah

Sharjah, UAE — In stroke care, doctors often say that “time is brain,” a reality that played out dramatically in the case of a 51-year-old man who made a significant recovery after receiving urgent, high-risk intervention at NMC Royal Hospital, Sharjah.

The patient initially sought medical attention at another hospital after developing slurred speech and numbness, common warning signs of a stroke. He was diagnosed with an acute ischemic stroke caused by reduced blood flow to the right side of the brain. However, his condition worsened two weeks later, prompting readmission with increasing weakness on the left side of his body and facial drooping. Although fully conscious, he showed rapidly declining muscle strength in his left arm.

Advanced imaging revealed a complex and dangerous situation. The patient’s right internal carotid artery, the main vessel supplying blood to the brain, was found to be 99 per cent blocked by a clot, severely restricting blood flow. Doctors also identified a small area of bleeding in the brain, significantly limiting standard treatment options and increasing the risk of permanent disability.

“We were facing a very narrow window of opportunity,” said Dr. Vivek Karan, Consultant Neurologist at NMC Royal Hospital, Sharjah. “Imaging showed that while part of the brain had already been affected, there was still a section of salvageable tissue. With the artery nearly closed and bleeding present, decisions had to be made with extreme precision.”

As the patient’s neurological condition continued to deteriorate, the multidisciplinary medical team decided to proceed with an urgent carotid artery stenting procedure. The minimally invasive intervention involved placing a metal mesh stent within the narrowed artery to restore blood flow to the brain.

The procedure was successful and led to immediate stabilisation. In the days that followed, the patient showed marked clinical improvement, with gradual recovery of muscle strength and neurological function. He was placed under close neurological monitoring and enrolled in a structured physiotherapy and rehabilitation programme.

Doctors say the case highlights the importance of early recognition of stroke symptoms, access to advanced imaging and coordinated, patient-specific decision-making, even in complex, high-risk situations.

Medical experts continue to urge the public to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as sudden weakness, facial drooping, speech difficulty or numbness occur, noting that prompt treatment can be life-saving and significantly improve recovery outcomes.

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About NMC Royal Hospital, Sharjah

NMC Royal Hospital, Sharjah is part of NMC Healthcare, one of the largest private healthcare providers in the UAE. The hospital offers comprehensive, patient-centred care supported by advanced medical technology and a strong multidisciplinary approach, delivering specialised services across a wide range of medical and surgical disciplines.