Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil, underwent a second phrenic nerve block procedure on Monday to address persistent hiccups. The procedure, a non-surgical and minimally invasive intervention, was performed after Bolsonaro was temporarily released from prison, where he is serving a 27-year sentence for attempting to overturn the 2022 election results.
According to his medical team, the treatment was successful, and Bolsonaro's condition is stable. He has been hospitalized since Christmas Eve, having received judicial permission to leave prison for hernia repair surgery. While that operation was also deemed successful, the hiccups, which have plagued him for months, necessitated the additional phrenic nerve block. The initial procedure, performed on Saturday, targeted the phrenic nerve on the right side of his body.
The phrenic nerve controls the diaphragm, the primary muscle involved in breathing. Irritation or damage to this nerve can lead to involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, resulting in hiccups. A phrenic nerve block aims to alleviate these contractions by temporarily interrupting nerve signals.
Bolsonaro's imprisonment stems from his alleged involvement in a coup attempt following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. He has consistently denied these allegations. His political career has been marked by far-right policies and controversial statements. The legal proceedings against him and his subsequent imprisonment have been highly divisive in Brazil, sparking both protests and celebrations.
The judicial permission granted for Bolsonaro to receive medical treatment outside of prison highlights the complexities of balancing legal obligations with humanitarian considerations. His medical condition and treatment have been closely followed by the Brazilian public and media, reflecting the continued significance of his role in Brazilian politics, even while incarcerated. Further updates on Bolsonaro's condition and his return to prison are expected in the coming days.
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