British Heart Foundation: Understanding blood clots

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In 2020, Sinbad – whose birth name is David Adkins – had a blood clot travel from his heart to his brain, resulting in a traumatic stroke. The stand-up comedian and actor was rushed into surgery at West Hills Medical Center on October 25, 2020. When the blood clot was removed, his prognosis seemed promising but, the very next day, another blood clot formed.

Undergoing another thrombectomy, and a craniotomy (to help reduce swelling in his brain), doctors discovered Sinbad had a bleed on the brain.

Put into an induced coma and placed on a ventilator, “it would be weeks before he would open his eyes”, his family wrote on a website dedicated to Sinbad’s recovery.

“It wasn’t long before we realised he couldn’t move his left side or simply hold his head up,” his family added.

In May 2021, Sinbad was admitted to the California Rehabilitation Institute, where he began physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

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Two months later and Sinbad was finally able to continue his recovery at home.

Today, Sinbad “continues to receive therapy… his progress is nothing short of remarkable”.

At 66, the father-of-two is “taking the steps necessary to learn to walk again”.

An ischaemic stroke

Sinbad had an ischaemic stroke, which is the “most common type of stroke”, according to the NHS.

The NHS explains: “They happen when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain.

“These blood clots typically form in areas where the arteries have been narrowed or blocked over time by fatty deposits.”

Factors that “dangerously speed up” the process of narrowed arteries include:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• High cholesterol levels
• Diabetes
• Excessive alcohol intake.

“The injury to the brain caused by a stroke can lead to widespread and long-lasting problems,” the NHS adds.

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A post shared by Sinbad (@sinbadbad)

Stroke complications

Following a stroke, survivors might encounter psychological problems, such as depression and anxiety.

Depression can lead to bouts of crying, feeling hopeless, and withdrawing from social activities.

“Feelings of anger, frustration and bewilderment are also common,” the health body says.

Cognitive impairment could also become an issue, which can lead to difficulties with memory, concentration, communication, and spatial awareness.

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A post shared by Sinbad (@sinbadbad)

Executive function could also diminish, which means the ability to plan and solve problems may deteriorate.

“As part of your treatment, each one of your cognitive functions will be assessed, and a treatment and rehabilitation plan will be created,” the NHS assures.

A stroke can also lead to weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, which can cause issues with co-ordination and balance.

The complications following a stroke will be unique to each case, depending on the severity and location of the stroke.

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