“I Don’t Sweat Around My Ankle”... The Aftereffects of ‘This Condition’ That Left Sunwoo Yong-nyeo Slurring Her Speech During a Recording [Health Talk]

[Financial News] Veteran actress Sunwoo Yong-nyeo, 82, has spoken about the critical moment when she suffered a cerebral infarction during a television recording years ago and the neurological aftereffects that continue to this day. Her account has drawn renewed attention to the early detection of strokes and rehabilitation care.
Sunwoo Yong-nyeo recently described in detail what happened when she suffered the cerebral infarction, through a television program and her personal YouTube channel. During a recording years ago, her speech suddenly became slurred and she could not speak properly. At the suggestion of a fellow cast member who noticed something was wrong, she raised both arms, but one arm immediately dropped due to a loss of strength. Thanks to the quick response of those around her, who recognized the classic warning signs of a suspected cerebral infarction, she was taken to an emergency room within the critical treatment window and survived the crisis.

Sunwoo Yong-nyeo’s case clearly illustrates the typical emergency warning signs of cerebrovascular disease. Medical professionals emphasize the “FAST rule,” named after the initial letters of the key symptoms, to help people quickly recognize signs of a suspected stroke.
The main signs include facial paralysis, or a “Face” in which one corner of the mouth fails to rise properly when smiling, and arm paralysis, or “Arms” in which one arm drops when both arms are extended forward. If these symptoms are accompanied by speech problems, such as slurred speech or difficulty understanding what another person is saying, a stroke should be strongly suspected. The final and most important element is “Time”—the critical treatment window. If even one of these symptoms appears, call the 119 emergency number without delay and go to an emergency room equipped to provide specialized treatment.
Because a cerebral infarction occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked, causing brain cells to die, clot-dissolving medication or a procedure to reopen the vessel generally must be administered within 3 to 4.5 hours of symptom onset. This can save lives and minimize permanent disabilities.

Sunwoo Yong-nyeo said she has continued managing the aftereffects even after completing acute treatment. In a recent video filmed at a charcoal kiln in Wonju, she said, “The cerebral infarction affected the area around my ankle, so I no longer sweat there,” adding, “The affected area feels particularly prickly and hot.”
Depending on the area of the brain that is damaged, a cerebral infarction can cause not only motor paralysis but also reduced sensation, heightened sensitivity, and dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates body temperature and sweating. When nerve signals to a particular area are not transmitted properly, sweat gland function may decline, causing abnormally reduced sweating. The area may also become hypersensitive to external stimuli, a condition known as allodynia, leading to complaints of a stabbing heat sensation.
Many people with chronic cerebrovascular disease seek out high-temperature environments, such as heated rooms or charcoal kilns, to improve circulation and relieve fatigue. Specialists, however, urge caution.
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause blood vessels to dilate rapidly, increasing fluctuations in blood pressure. Dehydration can also raise blood viscosity and increase the risk of recurrence. Areas affected by paralysis are particularly vulnerable to low-temperature burns because reduced sensation may prevent people from noticing temperature changes in time. Therefore, users should limit each session to 15 minutes or less and drink plenty of water.
Sunwoo Yong-nyeo said that since her illness, “I regret neglecting my health and devoting myself only to work, to the point of collapsing from malnutrition in the past,” adding, “I have shifted to a life that puts health and happiness first.” Even after stroke treatment, ongoing secondary prevention through blood pressure and blood sugar management, regular aerobic exercise, and a balanced diet remains essential.
[email protected] Moon Young-jin Reporter