Sakuraba Update: Test Results Back

Details of Kazushi Sakuraba’s ailment have come through from Japan.

Unofficial sources are indicating that Sakuraba’s collapse may be due to Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency.

What is Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency ?

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) means poor circulation of blood in the vertebral and basilar arteries. The vertebral arteries run up on either side of the vertebral column in the neck. They then combine to form the basilar artery. This artery then runs up to the brain. These arteries or their branches may be blocked completely by a clot, resulting in a stroke. They may be involved in a temporary block. The vertebral arteries may also be kinked and narrowed by certain movements of the neck. This is common in older people with osteoarthritis. These arteries supply blood to the parts of the brain associated with balance, eye function, memory and muscle action. They also supply the vital brain stem that controls breathing and consciousness. A major block is occasionally fatal. Mostly it produces difficulties in walking, balance problems and double vision: a form of stroke. Minor or short-lived attacks may cause dizziness, nausea or drop attacks. These seem like faints, except that the onset is sudden. There is often no warning and the patient recovers consciousness in a few seconds. Another symptom is a passing loss of memory, known as transient global amnesia. The patient is unable to remember new information or past events. There is normal consciousness and normal activities such as eating and walking continue. There is some confusion.

Recovery from this condition is normally complete.

Click Here For Further Details of VBI.

Sakuraba has been told that he must not train or fight for an indefinite period. He is definitely off the Heros 10/9 Yokohama Arena event but sources close to Sakuraba say that he wants to fight on Hero’s New Years Eve event.