Fragile, yet possible - Neurologist says Lt Stitchie could beat the odds

As the entertainment community holds its collective breath, fans and loved ones are pouring in prayers for legendary artiste Lt Stitchie, who remains unresponsive in a medical facility after a devastating brain haemorrhage.

The uncertainty looms large. Orominent neurosurgeon Dr Roger Hunter, while cautious, shared that recovery, though difficult, is not impossible.

"A person can come back from being unresponsive and live a normal life. It is possible for a person to wake from a coma and live normally, but the longer you are in a coma, the less likely the recovery will be. The cause of the coma is also very important, as that determine how slim a person's chances of surviving may be," he said.

For those praying at Lt Stitchie's bedside and across the globe, these words bring a fragile sense of hope. However, Hunter also cautioned that the cause of a coma plays a significant role in survival.

"A brain haemorrhage, like the one Lt Stitchie suffered, can occur for many reasons -- trauma being the most common," Hunter explained.

Lt Stitchie, whose given name is Cleve Laing, has faced numerous challenges before, but none so severe. His brain haemorrhage, which rendered him unresponsive, has left fans shaken. Known for his resilience, having transitioned from dancehall to gospel, Lt Stitchie's story of transformation has inspired countless lives. The man who once dominated stages now lies silent, with thousands rallying in prayer, hoping for yet another miracle.

"Traumatic brain injuries, like aneurysms or a blow to the head, can lead to sudden brain bleeds," Hunter explained.

While dismissing lifestyle choices such as drug or alcohol use -- given Stitchie's known commitment to faith -- Hunter raised other possible contributors. He pointed to high blood pressure, strokes, brain tumours, and even the controversial link between COVID-19 vaccines and blood clots.

"We have seen young, healthy people collapse. In some cases, these vaccines may cause blood clots in the brain, leading to catastrophic outcomes," he added, while acknowledging ongoing scientific debates.

In the meantime, as Lt Stitchie battles for his life, his family has issued an urgent appeal for financial support to cover the costs of his long-term care. A GoFundMe campaign has raised US$14,825 (approximately J$2.3 million) out of a US$100,000 (approximately J$15.7 million) target.

"Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference and bring hope to Cleve and his family during this difficult journey," the family said.