Clinical characteristics of patients with acute thalamic hemorrhage at Bach Mai neurology center

Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with acute thalamic hemorrhage admitted to the Neurology Center of Bach Mai Hospital. Subjects: 140 patients diagnosed with acute thalamic hemorrhage admitted to Bach Mai Hospital from June 2022 to June 2023. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Results: Male predominance (64.29%, male-to-female ratio 1.8:1), mean age 63.64 ± 10.71 years. Hypertension was the leading risk factor (71.43%), followed by smoking (20.71%) and prior stroke (19.29%). Most patients (70%) presented within 24 hours of symptom onset, with sudden neurological deficits (90.71%). Elevated systolic (159.89 ± 22.56 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (95.79 ± 15.62 mmHg) were observed. Severe consciousness impairment (GCS ≤8) occurred in 10.71%, while 68.57% retained intact consciousness (GCS 13-15). Motor deficits affected 95% of patients. Conclusion: This cohort had an average age of 63.64 ± 10.71 years, with 47.14% aged ≥65 and a male-to-female ratio of 1.8:1. Hypertension was the most common condition (71.43%), followed by diabetes (16.43%) and prior stroke (19.29%). Alcohol abuse and smoking were reported in 15.71% and 20.71% of patients, respectively. Most patients (70%) were admitted within the first day, with sudden onset in 90.71% and severe consciousness disturbances in 10.71%. Common symptoms included hemiplegia (95%), sensory issues (49.29%), abnormal pupils (12.14%), abnormal light reflexes (14.29%), and meningeal signs (30%).