BANGKOK, Thailand – Suddenly struggling to name familiar foods, people or everyday objects, even when you can picture them clearly, may be a warning sign of a neurological problem that needs medical assessment. Thai neurosurgeon Dr. Pracha, known online as “Dr. Pracha Brain Surgery,” highlighted the issue in a video posted on October 24, describing a patient who could visualise familiar items but struggled to recall their names.
The patient reported feeling confused and dizzy before noticing difficulty remembering the names of favourite foods. Dr. Pracha explained that the symptoms prompted further investigation into the blood supply to the brain.
Brain scans showed that the brain tissue had not yet suffered visible death, but further examination of the blood vessels revealed a significant abnormality affecting blood flow through an artery supplying the left side of the brain, according to the doctor’s account.
Different brain regions work together to recognise objects, retrieve words and understand language. When blood flow is reduced in areas involved in language processing, a person may know what an object is or picture it in their mind but struggle to find the word for it.
Dr. Pracha said the case was detected before the affected vessel became completely blocked. He discussed medical treatment intended to reduce the risk of a more serious stroke, alongside lifestyle measures such as cardiovascular exercise and reducing fried foods.
However, treatment depends on the underlying cause and must be determined by medical professionals. People should not start medication or supplements based on a social media video alone.
Sudden symptoms require urgent attention
Difficulty finding words can have several causes, and an occasional lapse does not automatically mean a blood vessel is narrowing. However, sudden difficulty speaking or finding words, confusion, dizziness, loss of balance, vision changes or weakness or numbness on one side of the body can indicate a stroke.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek emergency medical assistance immediately, even if the symptoms improve or disappear. In Thailand, call the emergency medical service on 1669.
Prompt assessment is essential because early treatment can reduce the risk of lasting brain damage and disability. (Story, Photo: Khaosod)
