What is ‘brain bleed’ that Sadhguru is recovering from?
A statement from Delhi’s Indraprastha Apollo Hospital read that he had to be operated on after an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) revealed massive bleeding in his brain.
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
Bleeding in the brain is also called an intracranial haemorrhage. Bleeding can happen between the brain tissue and the skull or within the brain tissue.
This is a type of stroke. It causes blood to pool between your brain and skull. It prevents oxygen from reaching your brain. It’s life-threatening and requires quick treatment for the best outcome.
Speaking to India Today, neurosurgeon Dr Sudhir Kumar, from Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad, said, “Brain haemorrhage (bleeding) on one side can cause swelling on the affected side, and can exert pressure on the midline, causing shift (of the midline) towards the opposite side. This results in pressure on the brain structures not only on the affected side but also the unaffected side. This is a serious complication of brain haemorrhage.
He also said that this complication is an emergency.
“Immediate surgery is needed to save the patient’s life as well as to prevent disability,” he said.
ARE BRAIN BLEEDS COMMON?
Brain bleeds are common after falls or traumatic injuries. They’re also common in people with unmanaged high blood pressure.
CAUSES
Experts say the causes are mostly trauma or head injury. “Other causes can include head injury, brain infarct (clots), brain tumours such as glioma, metastases (spread of cancer from other parts of the body to brain), and brain infections.” Dr Sudhir Kumar told India Today
DIAGNOSIS
A CT scan, an MRI or an MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) can help diagnose a brain bleed.
TREATMENT
Depending on the severity of the condition, doctors will either perform surgery or treat the complication through medication.
PREVENTION
This condition can be prevented by managing your blood pressure, exercising regularly, limiting or quitting tobacco and alcohol consumption and improving your lifestyle.
People with diabetes must control their blood sugar levels.
