A 40-year-old Taiwanese man who had been sleeping only four to five hours a day due to heavy work pressure suffered a sudden stroke but avoided permanent disability after receiving timely medical treatment.
The man, identified as Zhang, was unaware that he had high blood pressure. Reports said he frequently stayed up late watching dramas, reading novels and playing mobile games.
He was rushed to the emergency department after suddenly developing symptoms including weakness on his right side, slurred speech and drooling.
Doctors later confirmed he had suffered an acute ischemic stroke, but said his brain function was successfully restored as he received treatment quickly.
A neurologist at Fengyuan Hospital noted that Zhang had not shown obvious symptoms before the incident and therefore did not seek medical attention earlier.
The doctor warned that sleep deprivation and high work stress significantly increase the risk of stroke, adding that cases among people under 45 are rising.
Other contributing risk factors include uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, lack of exercise, smoking and long-term stress.
He also highlighted the FAST warning signs of stroke: facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and the need for immediate medical attention.
Medical experts said patients who arrive at hospital within four and a half hours of symptom onset may be eligible for clot-busting treatment to reduce brain damage.
