PANAJI
Goa stands high on the life expectancy and quality of life indices. As a result, a large number of people live beyond the age of 75 years. However, many of them are on blood thinners for various health issues. A trivial injury in such people can result in the formation of a clot in the brain over a period of 2-3 months. Elderly persons have more space between the brain and skull. As the clot starts compressing the brain, multiple symptoms can emerge, posing risks to life if left untreated.
Manipal Hospitals, Goa, successfully undertook a neurosurgery procedure on a 95-year-old man with severe complications on the right side of his brain, where a large blood clot was found.
Raju (name changed) had a fall at home about two months ago, following which he showed no adverse symptoms or signs. However, over the next two months, he developed weakness in his left leg, and then the left hand. This made him dependent first on a walking stick, then a walker, and finally, a wheelchair. He also showed changes in behaviour and memory lapses. A CT scan showed the formation of a large clot on the right side of his brain causing his current symptoms.
Raju was discharged five days after the surgery. He can now move around on his own and is self-reliant.
