Introduction

SINGAPORE – In a shocking revelation, 24-year-old Chee Ming Heng, a seemingly healthy student from LaSalle College of the Arts, faced a life-threatening diagnosis of moyamoya disease, a rare cerebrovascular disorder. The initial warning signs appeared in February 2024, but Chee initially brushed them off, unaware of the severe implications.

Symptoms and Initial Diagnosis

On the very first day of his work experience on February 8, Chee found himself struggling to write his own name on the time sheet. “I could hold the pen, but I just couldn’t find a way to write it. It was very mentally torturous,” he recounted. As the days progressed, his health declined further. Four days prior to the work incident, he had to skip a family reunion dinner due to feeling unwell, and by the time Chinese New Year arrived on February 10, he realized he had difficulties using cutlery.

Concerned family members began to notice alarming symptoms. On February 12, during a family gathering for a photo, they observed a slight droop on the right side of Chee's face. The following day, while playing mahjong, his younger brother noticed he struggled to pick up the tiles, leading his parents to take him to a local polyclinic.

Diagnosis and Condition

Upon examination, the doctor quickly recognized potential signs of a stroke, highlighting Chee’s arm weakness and facial drooping, and urged immediate hospitalization. After a series of scans, specialists diagnosed him with moyamoya disease—a condition characterized by the narrowing and blockage of arteries at the base of the brain, leading to insufficient blood supply. The term 'moyamoya' translates to "puff of smoke" in Japanese, aptly describing the tangled network of blood vessels that form as the brain attempts to compensate for these blockages.

Dr. Chen Min Wei, a neurosurgeon who performed a crucial bypass operation on Chee, explained that while moyamoya patients typically suffer from minor strokes, they can still exhibit debilitating symptoms. “Many individuals do not experience large strokes, but rather smaller ones that may seem mild yet can lead to serious implications,” he noted.

Surgery and Recovery

Despite the challenges of diagnosis—sometimes taking over a year and multiple strokes for physicians to recognize moyamoya disease—those affected can often lead long lives, especially when caught early. Treatments typically culminate in surgery as lifestyle changes alone, like taking aspirin or quitting smoking, prove ineffective.

During the operation on May 10, Dr. Chen successfully crafted a new blood vessel to restore blood flow to Chee’s brain, helping him on his path to recovery. Chee's father expressed the fears that plagued their family, wondering what would happen if his son woke up unable to move. Fortunately, those fears dissipated when Chee emerged from surgery with his spirits intact, eager to see his family.

Ongoing Journey

Chee's recovery has been gradual. Just two weeks later, taking a simple stroll to his car felt exhausting, and he had to relearn basic motor skills, including driving and writing. Even though his parents initially misattributed his symptoms to an infection, they soon recognized the gravity of the situation, prompting discussions with Chee's professors regarding his condition.

Conclusion

Now, however, Chee has returned to his vibrant self. Reflecting on his ordeal, he stated, “I’m still alive. Initially, I didn’t grasp the seriousness of my diagnosis. Now, I can proudly say, ‘I survived a stroke!’” Chee’s journey highlights the importance of awareness and timely medical intervention in learning about rare diseases that, while frightening, can lead to resilience and renewed appreciation for life. The support from family, friends, and the medical community proves vital in such challenging times, emphasizing that hope prevails even through the darkest moments.