Complications Associated With Sickle Cell Anemia

Stroke

When the flow of blood in an individual's brain stops, a stroke occurs. It takes just minutes for the cells in the brain to die from a lack of oxygen due to an insufficient blood supply. A stroke is a serious medical emergency, and often the damage that occurs to the brain is permanent. A combination of factors can cause this kind of blood flow blockage in sickle cell anemia patients. Because the red blood cells are irregularly shaped, they can easily form a clot anywhere in the body. In addition, the blood vessels of individuals with sickle cell anemia are already constricted due to a low level of nitric oxide and widespread inflammation due to the excessive breakdown of red blood cells. Furthermore, the membranes of these irregular sickle cells are abnormal, and they have a tendency to stick on the endothelium or the blood vessel wall. A combination of one or more of these occurrences will easily result in a blood clot that travels to the brain and causes an obstruction in blood supply.