Sitoula collapsed during Balen campaign suffered brain hemorrhage

KATHMANDU: Dinesh Sitoula, the outgoing president of the Cine Journalists’ Association of Nepal, is in critical condition after suffering a severe brain hemorrhage, hospital sources confirmed.

He is currently receiving intensive care on a ventilator at Grande International Hospital in Kathmandu.

Sitoula reportedly collapsed yesterday in Achham while participating in the election campaign of senior Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leader and former Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah (Balen).

He fell and sustained a serious head injury, prompting his immediate airlift to Kathmandu by the army helicopter and subsequent admission to Grand International Hospital.

Medical sources said Sitoula suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a serious type of brain bleeding.

Upon arrival, doctors reported his consciousness was extremely low and his condition critical.

“Before being transported to the hospital, his heart had stopped for approximately 45 minutes at the site. It was restarted through CPR, but prolonged cardiac arrest can complicate recovery. The next 48 to 72 hours are crucial. Any improvement in consciousness during this period will guide further treatment,” a treating physician said.

Doctors cautioned that rapid recovery in such severe cases is unlikely. Subarachnoid hemorrhages often occur when an aneurysm—a weak spot in a brain blood vessel—ruptures.

Many aneurysms remain undetected until a rupture occurs, often triggered by sudden blood pressure spikes, stress, or other factors.

Although this condition is more common in people over 60, it can occasionally affect younger individuals.

Currently, Sitoula shows minimal reflex responses, and the medical team continues to monitor and evaluate his condition.

Given the severity of the hemorrhage, hospital officials said it is too early to predict whether Sitoula will recover fully or face long-term complications.

How does a brain haemorrhage occur?

A brain haemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel in or around the brain ruptures, causing blood to leak into the brain tissue.

This sudden bleeding damages brain cells and increases pressure inside the skull, which can be life-threatening.

Here’s a breakdown of the common causes:

1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – The most common cause. Over time, high blood pressure weakens blood vessel walls, making them prone to rupture.

2. Aneurysm Rupture – A weak, balloon-like bulge in a blood vessel can burst, leading to a subarachnoid hemorrhage, the type Sitoula had.

3. Head Injury – A severe blow to the head can tear blood vessels, causing bleeding in or around the brain.

4. Blood Disorders or Medications – Conditions that affect clotting (like hemophilia) or blood thinners can increase bleeding risk.

5. Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) – Abnormal tangles of blood vessels that can rupture.

6. Lifestyle Triggers – Sudden spikes in blood pressure due to stress, heavy exertion, or intense physical activity can sometimes trigger a hemorrhage.

Sometimes, a person may not know they have an aneurysm or weak vessel until it ruptures, which is why brain hemorrhages can happen suddenly and without warning.