Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil, underwent a second phrenic nerve block procedure on Monday to address persistent hiccups. According to his medical team, the treatment was successful, and Bolsonaro's condition is stable.
The far-right politician, currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for his attempt to overturn the 2022 election results, has been hospitalized since Christmas Eve. He was granted judicial permission to leave prison to undergo hernia repair surgery. While that operation was deemed successful, the hiccups, which have plagued Bolsonaro for months, persisted. This led to the decision to perform a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure on Saturday to block the phrenic nerve on the right side.
The phrenic nerve controls the diaphragm, the primary muscle involved in breathing. Irritation or damage to this nerve can cause involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, resulting in hiccups. A phrenic nerve block involves injecting a local anesthetic near the nerve to temporarily stop its function, thus alleviating the hiccups.
Bolsonaro's imprisonment stems from his alleged involvement in a coup attempt following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and claims the charges are politically motivated. His supporters have staged protests calling for his release, while critics maintain that his actions threatened Brazil's democratic institutions.
The judicial authorization allowing Bolsonaro to receive medical treatment outside of prison sparked debate in Brazil. Some argued that it was a necessary humanitarian measure, while others viewed it as preferential treatment for a convicted criminal. The courts ultimately determined that his right to healthcare outweighed the security concerns associated with his temporary release.
It remains unclear how long Bolsonaro will remain hospitalized. His medical team will continue to monitor his condition following the phrenic nerve block. The legal proceedings related to his coup conviction are ongoing.
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