PROLONGED DIZZINESS IN YOUNG ADULTS: A WARNING SIGN OF BRAIN TUMOR

Persistent dizziness, lack of coordination, and simple daily tasks becoming difficult — these seemingly vague symptoms led to a life-saving discovery for a 24-year-old Cambodian man. Doctors at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital successfully removed a brain tumor located in the cerebellum, helping him regain stability and restore quality of life.

Prolonged Dizziness in Young Adults: A Warning Sign of Brain Tumor

Mr. T. (24 years old, Cambodian) visited Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital with a complaint of persistent dizziness lasting over two months. He reported experiencing headaches whether sitting or standing, and noted a significant loss of coordination in daily activities. Even simple tasks like changing clothes became nearly impossible due to his symptoms.

Following a thorough examination and brain MRI, Dr. Do Anh Vu, MMed, Specialist Level II diagnosed the patient with a tumor located in the right cerebellum. The mass was causing cerebellar edema, compression of the fourth ventricle, and dilation of both supratentorial and infratentorial ventricular systems. Due to the tumor’s impact on neurological motor coordination, prompt surgical intervention was necessary.

A surgical team from the Neurosurgery & Spine Department, led by Dr. Do Anh Vu, MMed, Specialist Level II and Dr. Duong Duc Anh, MMed, performed the operation. After four hours, they successfully removed the entire cerebellar tumor.

Dr. Vu noted that this was a highly complex procedure. Surgery in the posterior cranial fossa poses significant challenges due to its narrow working space. Without sufficient experience and precision, surgeons risk injuring nearby structures. The tumor’s location was also very close to vital brain areas, meaning even minor errors could lead to respiratory failure, circulatory collapse, or death.

Fortunately, the surgery went smoothly. Postoperatively, the patient’s condition improved significantly. His dizziness subsided, the surgical site remained dry, and no new neurological symptoms developed. He was discharged in stable condition just seven days after surgery.

Dr. Do Anh Vu, MMed, Specialist Level II, further explained that most brain tumors cannot be prevented, and in many cases, patients are unaware of their presence. Early symptoms are often vague and easily mistaken for other conditions, such as headache, tinnitus, vision changes, or dizziness. Without early detection, tumors can grow over time, leading to balance disorders, unsteady gait, seizures, coma, or even sudden death.

Therefore, individuals experiencing such symptoms should seek evaluation at a specialized medical facility as soon as possible to enable early diagnosis and timely treatment.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital

No. 88, Street No. 8, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.

Hotline: 18006767

info@nih.com.vn

BRC: No. 0312088602, issued on December 14th, 2012 by the Department of Planning and Investment of Ho Chi Minh City. Medical Examination and Treatment License No. 230/BYT-GPHĐ, issued by the Ministry of Health.