A routine gym workout took a dramatic and unexpected turn when 20-year-old A. suddenly felt unwell, collapsed and was rushed to Shaare Zedek Medical Center. There, doctors identified symptoms of a stroke. Fortunately, thanks to a swift diagnosis and catheterization by the hospital's medical team, his life was saved.
A. is now recovering and is expected to be discharged soon to begin rehabilitation. He stressed: "Pay attention to warning signs — they can save lives."
A. was in the middle of a regular workout when he began to feel dizzy and weak. "I suddenly felt dizzy during the workout and collapsed against the equipment," he recounted. "It came out of nowhere. Thankfully, those around me realized what happened and called an ambulance."
A. was rushed to the emergency room at Shaare Zedek, where a multidisciplinary team of emergency medicine, neurology, neuroradiology and imaging specialists determined he was suffering from a life-threatening narrowing of the brain's arteries.
"This is a young patient who had been experiencing mild headaches for several days," explained Dr. Vladimir Borodetsky, a senior physician in Shaare Zedek's Invasive Neuroradiology Unit who led the life-saving treatment.
"On Tuesday, he went to the gym and experienced a headache that was stronger than usual. At one point, he lost consciousness, collapsed and hit his head on the equipment. His friends called an ambulance, which reported stroke-like symptoms — drowsiness and difficulty moving his left arm and leg. This allowed the hospital team to prepare in advance,” he recounted.
A. arrived at the medical center within an hour in a drowsy state, with mild left-side weakness that progressed to full paralysis. "After initial supportive care in the ER, imaging tests revealed signs of a dissection in a major artery on the brain's right side," Dr. Borodetsky explained.
"A dissection is the separation of the artery's layers, which can lead to blockage and stroke symptoms. While strokes in young patients are rare, one-quarter of such cases involve dissections."
The urgent medical situation required immediate intervention. "Working together with Neurology Department Director Dr. Roni Eichel, Dr. Yaaqov Amsalem, head of interventional neuroradiology, Dr. Eliel Ben-David, head of head and neck imaging and Dr. Michael Teicher, a senior neurologist, we performed a diagnostic cerebral catheterization and quickly moved with the procedure," Dr. Borodetsky explained.
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"Before the operation, his condition deteriorated further in terms of consciousness and weakness," Dr. Borodetsky recalled. "During the procedure, I cleaned the artery and inflated a balloon to reattach the separated layer. I also placed two stents to fully open the artery. The procedure was relatively brief and conducted under full anesthesia.”
“Thankfully, it was successful. When the patient woke up, he had completely recovered, with no neurological symptoms: no paralysis, weakness or headaches. He is now undergoing rehabilitation and is set to be discharged soon for at-home recovery."
Was there irreversible damage?
"There was tissue damage in the brain, but nothing irreversible. The patient has fully recovered without any impairment."
Could this have been prevented?
"No, it’s not something predictable. The truth is we often can’t identify the exact cause. It’s critical to call for emergency medical help as soon as there are signs because, in such cases, every passing minute causes brain cells to die, which can’t be restored."
What are the risk factors?
"In his case, it’s difficult to pinpoint. It might be a localized condition, inflammation of the artery, or possibly something hereditary. It wasn’t caused by the gym. If it had happened in another part of the body, like the neck, we might have suspected it was due to improper movement during the workout."
What are the warning signs of a stroke?
"A headache is one such sign. Personally, if I had a headache, I wouldn’t go to the gym, but everyone has their own pain tolerance. How many have dissections? Probably none. It’s very rare.
“Still, if there are signs like speech difficulties, paralysis on one side of the body or reduced consciousness, these likely indicate a brain-related issue. The simplest thing to do is to get to the hospital as quickly as possible."
"I urge everyone to stay alert,” he added. “Learn the signs of a stroke, pay attention to unusual headaches and look out for those around you who might be suffering from it. I’m very pleased that A.’s life was saved thanks to the rapid diagnosis and treatment and I’m grateful to all the doctors who were involved."
"I’m grateful to be recovering and improving,” A. added. “I thank my friends and the medical staff for their quick response. My message to everyone, regardless of age, is to pay attention and not ignore sudden pain or weakness. Seek help and prevent a condition from worsening."