While rare, it is possible for a stroke during pneumonectomy to occur. The risk of this happening is higher for people who have had symptoms of a stroke in the past. The stroke typically occurs when blood flow in an artery in the brain becomes blocked. A stroke during pneumonectomy can vary in its effects; for some people, they are deadly.
A stroke can be caused by a blocked artery in your brain. The blockage -- which may be a blood clot, a piece of a fatty deposit called plaque, or something else -- stops blood and oxygen from getting to part of your brain. This causes a part of the brain tissue to die.
A stroke can change your body in many different ways. For example, stroke symptoms might include problems with moving or speaking. And, sometimes, a stroke can be fatal. Stroke treatment will depend on where it happened and how serious it was.
Some people are more likely to have a stroke than others, so please talk to your doctor if you have ever had symptoms of a stroke or have been told that you had a stroke in the past. If there is a problem or increased risk for a stroke, your healthcare provider will explain what is best for your situation.
