Fat embolism, which came to the agenda with the illness of actor Cem Özer, is a condition that can be seen after long bone fractures. According to experts, fat embolism should be suspected in patients with changes in consciousness, confusion, paralysis and epileptic seizures after fractures, and fractures should be intervened as early as possible.
Actor Cem Özer, who suffered two fractures in his foot after falling during movie shootings, was taken to intensive care when an air or fat embolism spread to his head while he was receiving oxygen treatment. Cem Özer's treatment continues.
Üsküdar University Faculty Member, NPISTANBUL Hospital Neurology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barış Metin made an evaluation about the fat embolism that came to the agenda with Cem Özer's illness.
[habersade=norology]
Fat in bone marrow can lead to embolism
Stating that fat embolism is a condition that can be seen after long bone fractures, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barış Metin said:
"Fats in the bone marrow can pass into circulation after fracture, reach the lungs and cause respiratory distress. In some cases, the fat can also go beyond the lungs to the brain and other internal organs. This is called an embolism. Emboli block the vessels in the brain and cause brain tissue to die from lack of oxygen."
Early intervention is important in fractures
Stating that in such cases, especially sudden onset of nervous system effects can be seen, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barış Metin said, "Fat embolism should be suspected in patients with changes in consciousness, confusion, paralysis and epileptic seizures after fracture. In order to prevent such situations, an orthopedic specialist should intervene as soon as possible in fracture cases."
Epilepsy can be seen in 5 out of 1000 people
Stating that epilepsy includes conditions seen as a result of abnormal activity in the brain, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barış Metin said, "Epileptic seizures can give symptoms in many different ways. The most common symptoms are loss of consciousness and convulsions. Epilepsy is seen in about 5 out of 1000 people in the general population. There are many types of epilepsy. Children and adults have different types of epilepsy. Some of these epilepsies are caused by brain damage such as infection or trauma. Some of them are seen due to conditions whose cause has not been fully elucidated."
Fat embolism can lead to embolism
Noting that a significant portion of epilepsies seen in adults and the elderly are due to cerebrovascular diseases, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barış Metin concluded his words as follows
"These diseases may be due to strokes, i.e. vascular occlusions, cerebral hemorrhages, clots in the brain from the heart and other embolisms. Fat embolism is one of these conditions. A neurologist should be consulted urgently in case of sudden changes in consciousness, convulsions and falls in an adult. In such cases, imaging (tomography or MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) are performed to detect brain involvement and the situation is intervened under emergency conditions."
