Timely Neurosurgery at Paras Health saves 40-year-old woman from life-threatening brain haemorrhage

Srinagar, July 18: In a critical race against time, doctors at Paras Health Srinagar successfully performed a life-saving neurosurgical procedure on a 40-year-old woman suffering from a chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH)—a condition more commonly found in the elderly and rarely seen in younger adults.A statement issued here said that the patient, a homemaker and mother of a 10-year-old, had been experiencing persistent headaches and dizziness for nearly two weeks. Her symptoms were initially misdiagnosed as vascular headaches. The situation turned dire when she suddenly collapsed at home, prompting her emergency admission to Paras Health. By the time she reached the hospital, the woman was unconscious and showed signs of severe neurological decline. Urgent imaging revealed a large sub-acute subdural haematoma on the left cerebral hemisphere, accompanied by medial temporal lobe herniation and early signs of brainstem compression—a neurosurgical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Dr Altaf Umar Ramzan, Vice Chairman of Neurosurgery at Paras Health Srinagar, said: “What made this case especially dangerous was how easily the diagnosis could have been overlooked. Subdural haematomas are rarely suspected in younger adults, and her symptoms mimicked far more common conditions like migraines. Time was against us, and immediate action was crucial to prevent irreversible brain damage.”A neurosurgical team, including Dr Irfan Hussain Bhat (Senior Consultant) and Dr Rahil Rafiq (Consultant), sprang into action. Within minutes of her arrival, the team secured the patient’s airway and performed a burr hole evacuation to relieve intracranial pressure and remove the haematoma. Dr Irfan Hussain Bhat noted: “When she arrived, the clinical signs were alarming—slow heart rate, high blood pressure, and a dilated, non-reactive pupil—all suggestive of brainstem herniation. Every second counted. The outcome hinged on seamless coordination between emergency, anaesthesia, and surgical teams.” Dr Rahil Rafiq added: “CSDH in younger patients is extremely rare and often not considered early in diagnosis. Her case underscores the importance of taking persistent, unexplained headaches seriously—especially when they worsen over time. Timely neuroimaging can be life-saving.” Thanks to the swift response, the patient regained full consciousness just hours after surgery and was discharged without any neurological deficits. Doctors credit the successful outcome to prompt recognition, immediate surgical intervention, and a highly coordinated multidisciplinary approach. This case serves as a critical reminder that chronic subdural haematomas, though uncommon in younger populations, can present with subtle symptoms. Timely access to neuro-specialist care and advanced diagnostics is essential in preventing tragic outcomes. The incident also reaffirms Paras Health Srinagar’s commitment to rapid emergency response, evidence-based clinical care, and accessible neurosurgical services, particularly in a region where timely specialist intervention can make the difference between life and death.