Vinod Kambli Health Update: Tests reveal ‘blood clots in his brain’; know more about the medical condition

Kambli‘s health is being monitored even as the team is expected to carry out additional medical examinations. Doctors attending to him told The Indian Express that imbalances in sodium and potassium were identified as causing cramps and mobility issues. They added old brain clots from a prior stroke were found, contributing to neurodegenerative changes, affecting his memory and coordination.

Let’s learn more about the medical condition.

Dr Sudhir Kumar, consultant neurologist, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, mentioned that clots in the brain are suggestive of stroke. “Common symptoms of stroke include sudden onset weakness of one half of face, weakness of one half of body, speech impairment, imbalance while walking, visual impairment and severe headache,” said Dr Kumar.

Stroke can be categorised in two types such as ischemic strokes (which are usually caused by clots), and hemorrhagic strokes (mostly caused by excessive bleeding).

Electrolyte imbalances, particularly in potassium, magnesium, and sodium, are crucial for maintaining proper heart function. “These imbalances can result in arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, which can be life-threatening,” said Dr M. Sai Sudhakar, director, Cath Lab, chief interventional cardiologist, chief cardiac transplant physician, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad.

For example, a low sodium level (hyponatremia) can cause weakness, fatigue, nausea, disorientation, confusion and seizures. “Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can cause muscle weakness. On the other hand, high sodium levels can also cause drowsiness and coma. High potassium levels can cause heart rhythm disturbances,” said Dr Kumar.

Common risk factors for stroke include diabetes, hypertension, abnormal lipid levels, heart diseases such as atrial fibrillation, smoking, alcohol abuse, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and stress. “Older age and family history of stroke are non-modifiable risk factors of stroke,” Dr Kumar explained.

According to Dr Kumar, if stroke is caused by a clot’s blockage of blood flow to the brain, it can be treated by clot-buster drugs within four and half hours of symptom onset. “If the diagnosis is delayed, the focus shifts to preventing new clot formation in the brain. Blood thinners such as aspirin or clopidogrel and statins are started for that. Risk factors for stroke should be assessed for and controlled,” said Dr Kumar.

Here’s what to consider about blood clots (Source: Freepik)

Physiotherapy and speech therapy play an essential role in the recovery of a stroke patient.

“Depending on the stroke severity, the time taken for recovery varies. In minor strokes, recovery may occur within days to weeks. On the other hand, recovery may take months to years in larger brain strokes,” said Dr Kumar.

Recovery period can be different for everyone. “Some people easily get back to their normal life while others may take extra time or even need ongoing rehabilitation that includes physiotherapy and speech therapy. Recognising this condition early on can help improve the effectiveness of the treatment procedure while reducing long-term complications,” said Dr Pankaj Agarwal, head of the department of neurology, Gleneagles Hospital Parel Mumbai.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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