Brazilian ex-president Jair Bolsonaro underwent a medical procedure Saturday to address persistent hiccups, according to his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, who announced the information on social media. The procedure, a phrenic nerve block, was performed after Bolsonaro was reportedly hospitalized last week following a hernia operation.
Doctors treating the former president stated that they blocked the right phrenic nerve and have scheduled a follow-up procedure within 48 hours to block the left phrenic nerve. The phrenic nerve, according to medical literature, originates in the neck and is critical for controlling the diaphragm, the primary muscle involved in breathing.
Bolsonaro's recent medical treatment occurred while he is imprisoned, having been sentenced in September to 27 years for plotting a coup to overturn his 2022 election loss. The charges stem from allegations that Bolsonaro attempted to subvert the democratic process following his defeat to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The former president's political career has been marked by controversy, including his policies on environmental regulations, indigenous rights, and public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. His supporters maintain that the charges against him are politically motivated, while critics argue that he is being held accountable for undermining democratic institutions.
The current status of Bolsonaro's health is being closely monitored, and further updates are expected following the completion of the second phrenic nerve block procedure. The long-term implications of his imprisonment and the ongoing legal proceedings remain a significant point of discussion within Brazilian politics.
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