SINGAPORE - In an alarming turn of events, 24-year-old Chee Ming Heng, a healthy and active student at LaSalle College of the Arts, first noticed unusual symptoms in February 2024.

It all began on his first day of work experience when he found himself grappling with the simple task of writing his name. "I could hold the pen but struggled to articulate my name on the time sheet. It was mentally torturous," he recounted.

Initial Signs and Escalation

Initially dismissing the concerning signs as mere fatigue, Chee had experienced weakness in his right hand and had to forgo a family reunion dinner just days before. As Chinese New Year approached on February 10, he noticed a troubling difficulty in handling cutlery.

After a visit to a general practitioner, where he left without a referral, the situation escalated. On February 12, family members observed a slight droop on the right side of his face during a family gathering, pointing towards a potential medical issue. The next day, during a game of mahjong, his younger brother discovered that Chee could not pick up the tiles, prompting the family to rush him to a polyclinic.

The Diagnosis

The diagnosis hit hard. Doctors identified signs of a stroke, including arm weakness and facial drooping, even while his ability to walk and speak remained intact. Emergency scans revealed that Chee was suffering from moyamoya disease—a rare and progressive cerebrovascular disorder characterized by the gradual blockage of arteries at the brain's base. The term "moyamoya" translates to "puff of smoke" in Japanese, aptly describing the tangle of tiny blood vessels that develop as the body attempts to compensate for restricted blood flow.

Expert Insights

According to Dr. Chen Min Wei, the neurosurgeon who ultimately performed a bypass operation on Chee, patients suffering from moyamoya disease frequently experience smaller strokes, leading to mild symptoms that are often overlooked. The condition, however, poses serious risks, including the potential for major strokes or bleeding in the brain. Dr. Chen emphasized that diagnosing moyamoya can be particularly challenging, with cases occasionally taking up to a year to accurately identify.

Surgery and Recovery

Chee underwent surgery on May 10, during which doctors created a new blood pathway to improve circulation to his brain. This critical surgery marked a pivotal moment in his journey, leaving his family anxious yet hopeful. "We had to be prepared for the worst," said Chee’s father, reflecting on their fears about potential outcomes from the surgery.

Remarkably, the operation went well, and Chee's recovery progressed. He expressed gratitude upon waking post-surgery, stating, "I was just happy to see my parents." Although it took time to regain full physical capabilities, Chee has since resumed his daily activities, including relearning to drive and practice writing.

Reflections and Awareness

Ashamed yet unaware of the full gravity of his diagnosis, Chee later reflected, "I didn't know the seriousness of the problem... even after learning about the diagnosis, I thought, 'What can I do, right?'"

Now with a newfound appreciation of life, Chee views his journey through illness as a testament to resilience. "I survived a stroke!" he exclaimed, embodying a spirit of triumph.

The Importance of Awareness

Moyamoya disease remains an understudied condition that can affect anyone—regardless of age. Hospitals see only a handful of cases each year, yet awareness is crucial.

Chee’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and understanding symptoms in order to seek timely medical help. His story brings hope and encouragement to others facing similar struggles, underscoring that, despite life-altering challenges, there is always a road to recovery.