Actor Saif Ali Khan has opened up on the near fatal attack on him at his residence. In an exclusive interview with TOI he said currently he is having 30 scars running down his neck.
How he missed my carotid artery and jugular vein
“I don’t understand how he missed my carotid artery and jugular vein… it’s not possible to cut somebody’s neck the way my neck is cut, and not kill them,” he told the media.
Talking about the stabbing, Saif said three inches of the knife got stuck in the shoulder blade and made its way right to the spinal cord. “It’s a massive stab and it’s broken off, and it’s nicked the cover of the spinal cord. And there’s spinal fluid leaking out, which is why the feeling in the leg was going. That’s how close it came: Just one more millimetre and we’d be talking paralysis. It’s not like, you know, a back spasm or something that we’re underplaying,” he told the media.
The carotid arteries and jugular veins are major blood vessels located in the neck and play a crucial role in circulation between the brain and the heart.
Carotid arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain, eyes, and face. Its proper brain function, including cognition, motor control, and sensory processing. Jugular vein carries deoxygenated blood from the brain back to the heart for reoxygenation. It plays a role in temperature regulation, preventing the brain from overheating.
If the carotid artery is partially blocked it can lead to a stroke; ruptured carotid artery can cause massive bleeding, leading to hemorrhagic stroke, which can be fatal. A sudden cut or severe trauma to the carotid artery can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure, leading to unconsciousness and possibly death in minutes.
The jugular vein is a high-capacity vein, meaning a deep cut can cause rapid blood loss, leading to shock or death if not treated immediately. If it is partially blocked or damaged, it can disrupt blood outflow from the brain, leading to headaches, pressure buildup, and even neurological symptoms.
Damage to either can lead to stroke, massive blood loss, or fatal complications, making quick medical intervention essential.
