Renowned spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev underwent an emergency brain surgery at a private hospital recently suffering 'life-threatening' bleeding in the skull. The news has sparked concern among his followers and admirers worldwide. "The surgery was carried out on March 17 to remove bleeding in the skull. Sadhguru was weaned off the ventilator post-surgery," said a health expert, Dr. Vinit Suri, Senior Consultant Neurologist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, adding he has shown "steady progress" and his "vital parameters have improved". Let us understand the causes, symptoms, treatment, and implications of brain bleeding with expert, Dr. G. V. Subbaiah Chowdhary, Senior Consultant Neurologist & Clinical Director, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, as it can provide insight into the challenges faced by individuals dealing with similar health issues and also help raise awareness about brain-related conditions.
Brain Bleeding: Causes
- A leaky, broken or burst blood vessel causes a brain bleed. As a result, excess blood pools in the brain. A brain bleed can happen after:
- Head trauma (a fall, car accident, sports injury, etc.
- A build-up of fatty deposits in your arteries (atherosclerosis).
- A blood clot.
- A weak spot in a blood vessel wall (cerebral aneurysm).
- A leak from an abnormally formed connection between arteries and veins (arteriovenous malformation, or AVM).
- A build-up of protein within the artery walls of the brain (cerebral amyloid angiopathy).
- A brain tumour.
Brain Bleeding: Symptoms
Intracerebral haemorrhage can develop gradually over minutes to hours, or it can strike suddenly. The specific symptoms a person experiences will depend on the location of the bleeding in the brain. The symptoms include:
- Headache, nausea, vomiting
- Alterations in levels of consciousness
- Weakness/numbness in face, arm or leg (usually on one side)
- Vision loss
- Seizures
Brain Bleeding: Treatment
Treatment for a brain bleed varies based on the severity and location of the bleed. Treatment may include:
- Surgery
- Medications
- Prompt medical treatment can limit brain damage, which will improve the chance of recovery.
- Close monitoring in an intensive care unit to make sure your vital signs are stable
Brain Bleeding: Recovery and Rehabilitation
Patients may need rehabilitation after a brain bleed. Depending on the severity of the bleed, brain damage is a possibility that can affect the ability to complete daily routine. Rehabilitation can help in regaining the functions needed for daily living and prevent future brain bleeds. Long-term rehabilitation treatment may include:
- Physical therapy.
- Speech therapy.
- Occupational therapy.
- Changing lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of another haemorrhage.
Rehabilitation and recovery time vary according to each person’s situation.
Brain Bleeding: Implications
Sadhguru's experience with brain surgery serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of prioritising health and well-being. Despite his spiritual stature, he, like anyone else, is susceptible to health issues that require medical intervention. His openness about his health journey may also help raise awareness about brain-related conditions and the importance of early detection and treatment. By staying informed and proactive about our health, we can take steps to mitigate risk factors, seek timely medical care, and support others facing similar challenges on their journey to recovery and healing.
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