Sometimes, headaches can signal a serious underlying health issue. Today, Meticuly had the opportunity to talk with civil servant Ms. Khowfang about her experience with an unexpected stroke diagnosis, recovery journey and her life after the cranioplasty. One morning, Ms. Khowfang experienced an unusually severe headache which ultimately resulted in the alarming diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident (CVA), or what is commonly known as a “stroke.”
Even though her stroke happened 5 years ago, Ms. Khowfang recalls it as if it happened just yesterday. One morning, she woke up with a headache and brushed it off, thinking it was just a side effect of her period. However, her headache persisted for a week, so she decided to go home to rest. Later that day, the headache escalated into unbearable agony, her headache became so intense that it even caused vomiting. Alarmed, Ms. Khowfang rushed to see the doctor, only to be hit with a devastating diagnosis: her brain was swollen and she had suffered an intracranial haemorrhage - a stroke.
Symptoms of stroke are not always straightforward in women
Signs of stroke in women are oftentimes brushed off just like in Ms. Khowfang’s case. The symptoms can be subtle and vague at first, and thus are often dismissed between the daily struggle of work-life balance. In addition to the classic signs of a stroke, such as numbness, speech and vision problems, women can also experience atypical symptoms that are often underestimated and not interpreted correctly. These include pain in the limbs and joints, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, cramps, weakness or fainting. Some of these non-specific symptoms can be attributed to everyday things, such as lack of sleep, menstrual cycle, excessive stress or migraines. If the stroke is not recognized in time, valuable time is lost for those affected until they receive appropriate treatment. That is why it is always important to call your local emergency hotline immediately at the slightest suspicion of a stroke.
Luckily, the surgical team at the hospital recognised the symptoms immediately. After the necessary tests were performed and confirmed her stroke diagnosis, they performed a decompressive craniectomy to address her critical situation.
After Ms. Khowfang recovered from the open skull surgery, she still carried the aftereffects of the operation. She experienced persistent headaches and spent an additional two weeks in the hospital before being able to go home. However, her concerns remained, as the removed portion of her skull had not yet been closed. Not only did she need to be extra cautious in her daily activities, but also the missing part of her skull resulted in noticeable asymmetry in her head, leaving an area without proper protection for the brain. Therefore, the doctor recommended a reconstructive skull surgery, or cranioplasty for Ms. Khowfang.
“Titanium cranioplasty plates are strong and safe, and can promote better recovery than the conventional materials,” said the doctor.
Regaining confidence with Meticuly’s cranioplasty implant
Having done her own research online, Ms. Khowfang agreed with the doctor’s recommendation to use our METICULY patient-specific cranial mesh implant. Since her cranioplasty, she has embraced a new sense of well-being and has reconnected with friends and family with newfound confidence.
With a heartfelt desire to help others who are facing similar challenges, Ms. Khowfang is eager to share her positive experience with the METICULY patient-specific titanium implant.
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