Recurrent macroglossia requiring tracheostomy after haemorrhagic basal ganglia stroke

A 50-year-old African American woman with hypertension, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease and prior cerebral vascular accident was transferred from an outside hospital after being found unresponsive and subsequently intubated for severe orolingual swelling. Imaging showed left thalamic haemorrhagic stroke, and the lingual swelling was clinically concerning for angio-oedema, with which a lingual biopsy was consistent. Work-up was negative for hereditary or acquired angio-oedema, and imaging was negative for structural causes. Of note, the patient had an episode of severe orolingual swelling 3 months prior to this presentation after suffering left thalamic haemorrhage which self-resolved after approximately 2 months. In both episodes lingual swelling predated receipt of tissue plasminogen activator and she had discontinued ACE inhibitor therapy since her first episode of tongue swelling. Despite medical and supportive management, tongue swelling progressed during admission and the decision was made to allow the patient’s tongue swelling to self-resolve.

NeuroAid II (MLC901) in Haemorrhagic Stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability. NeuroAid (MLC601), which originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine, comprises herbal and animal components, and has been shown to improve the functional status of patients after ischaemic stroke. The use of NeuroAid II (MLC901), which comprises only the herbal components of MLC601, in haemorrhagic stroke has not been previously reported. Our patient is a 63-year-old male with a significant stroke risk factor of hypertension. He developed visual field defect, aphasia, unilateral weakness, and hemisensory loss. CT scan showed a left thalamic haemorrhage. In addition to anti-hypertensive therapy and intensive rehabilitation, he was prescribed MLC901. Over a period of 6 months, he had significant improvements in his motor, sensory, and speech function. There were no adverse events, serial brain CT scans showed resolution of the haemorrhage. MLC901 may have a role in post-stroke recovery after intracranial haemorrhage.