Chapter 84

Chapter 84 I Next

Blood Clot.

A mass of blood that has coagulated within a blood vessel. To some degree, everyone has tiny blood clots in their bodies.

However, what happens if blood circulation decreases, or if blood clotting occurs excessively, or if the blood vessels are harmed, leading to the formation of too many blood clots?

This undoubtedly results in various issues. It obstructs the vessels and hinders the blood flow. If the affected area is the brain, the situation becomes grave much like the emperor lying helpless before their eyes.

What is this?

Raciel furrowed his brow intensely, focusing to the maximum extent, enough to make the back of his neck stiffen. This enabled him to closely examine the emperors brain and ultimately pinpoint the area where a stroke had occurred due to the blood clot.

Infarction in the territory of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery

Deep within the brain, in the cerebellum, he could observe that the middle cerebellar peduncle and lateral pons had suffered damage.

Where the flow of energy should have been vibrant, it was barely visible. This indicated damage to the cranial nerve.

If this occurs, theres likely to be accompanying facial paralysis, loss of sensation in the trigeminal nerve, hearing impairment, ringing in the ears, and uncoordinated limb movements.

Suddenly, he recalled what he had learned as an undergraduate student.

Some might assume that Oriental medical students only study acupuncture and pulse diagnosis, but it was different. They also needed to excel in various modern subjects including pathology, biomechanics, physiology, anatomy, histology, microbiology, immunology, medical diagnostics, cell biology, emergency medicine, diagnostic medical testing, neuropsychiatry, and more.

Thanks to this background, he was able to diagnose the emperors condition. The location of the stroke was critical, especially the fact that it had occurred in the cerebellum.

The size of the stroke is precarious. If it continues to grow, it could lead to swelling, putting pressure on the brain stem or blocking the ventricle, resulting in hydrocephalus. This might even lead to respiratory failure. However, thats not the main issue.

Raciels brow furrowed even deeper.

His gaze was fixed on the emperors cerebellum, on the anterior inferior cerebellar artery leading into it, and on the clot obstructing it. The shape of the blood clot was peculiar.

Why cant I see the Zahn lines in the clot?

Zahn lines.

They were akin to the rings in a tree, indicating the age of a blood clot.

As a person lives, a blood clot forms gradually in the presence of blood flow. Its not an instantaneous process. Hence, the Zahn lines. The formation of a blood clot follows layers, much like the rings in a tree. But why is this blood clot devoid of Zahn lines?

A blood clot lacking Zahn lines is typically seen in clots that form after death, in postmortem clots. Yet the emperors blood clot was like this, entirely smooth, without any Zahn lines. Logically and realistically, this was implausible.

Whats happening here?

This was far from normal.

There was something amiss.

This isnt a naturally occurring blood clot.

Whether due to external force, drugs, or some other means, the blood clot obstructing the emperors brain vessels was not natural.

Who could it be?

For what purpose?

Could it be someone among those present?

From the chamberlain to the commander of the close guard and the attending physician, those closest to the emperor were in motion. Was it possible that one of them had secretly caused harm to the emperor? Doubts began to emerge.

However, Raciel wasnt merely fixating on suspicion. Right now, the priority was treatment. Suspicions could be addressed after the emperors life was safeguarded.

May I examine the medication prescribed to His Majesty this morning more closely?

He inquired of the attending physician. The physician responded confidently, Of course, Your Highness. Here it is.

The substance the attending physician had brought was

Its a concoction derived from dried aronia leaves.

An herb thats effective against paralysis?

Yes, Your Highness. It has a remarkable impact on alleviating spasms in the hands and feet, as well as numbness in the muscles. Ive been using this mixture empirically for the past 12 years, treating various patients

Thats enough. Thank you.

Yes?

Unfortunately, this wont suffice.

Finally, the holy blessing concluded.

Whew! Hoo!

The Archbishop took labored breaths, his hand withdrawing from the Emperor, his face pale and worn-out. He collapsed, drenched in sweat, as if he had expended an immense amount of energy to cast the holy blessing.

And the Emperor?

Raciel turned his gaze back to the Emperor with an anxious heart, scanning the area affected by the stroke in the brain.

Tszzz zzst zst

The cells that had regenerated successfully due to the Archbishops holy blessing were visible. They exuded a sense of bright hope, displaying vigorous movement for a brief moment. Yet, it was only a fleeting instance.

Zzst zs

The cells that appeared to spring back to life swiftly lost their vitality. The radiant aura of energy vanished. Raciel discerned the cause at a glance.

The clot hasnt been removed. Its still obstructing the blood vessel. Thats why the revived cells are dying once more.

Raciel clicked his tongue in frustration.

The Archbishops holy blessing had undoubtedly taken effect. It had done more than just thatit had performed a miracle by resuscitating deceased brain cells. However, it hadnt eliminated the root cause of the stroke.

I need to eliminate that clot blocking the blood vessel. Thats the top priority. How can I do that now?

Raciel mentally reviewed his knowledge, recollecting the principles of pathology and various medical information he had painstakingly learned and memorized for scholarships during his oriental medicine studies.

He pondered how to apply this knowledge in this context, how to adapt without modern medications, and how to prevent reperfusion injury during the process.

He contemplated it repeatedly.

He strained his intellect.

He searched for a solution.

Finally, he arrived at a plan.

I hope youll heed my instructions from this point onward.

He addressed the Archbishop and the Steward.

He spoke to the Guard Captain and the personal physician.

He spoke to them all.

Summon the court magician Zanetis.

Pardon me? You mean Sir Zanetis?

Yes.

Raciel firmly nodded in response to the Stewards inquiry and spoke with determination.

His ability is absolutely essential if we wish to treat His Majesty without any adverse consequences.

His ability what are you referring to?

Magic.

But, Your Highness, the magic used by Sir Zanetis hardly pertains to healing people.

Im aware. However, thats precisely why his magic is necessary.

What magic are you talking about?

Ice magic.

Excuse me?

Im considering freezing His Majesty completely for the time being.

Pardon me?

Astonished gazes from everyone met Raciels composed answer, and he offered a faint smile.

(To be Continued)

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