Chris Henry suffered ‘a temporary blockage of a small blood vessel in his brain’

Ireland and Ulster flanker Chris Henry will undergo further specialist neurological assessment to determine why he suffered what has been confirmed "as a temporary blockage of a small blood vessel in his brain," that forced him to withdraw on the morning of the test match against South Africa at the Aviva stadium last Saturday week.

There were rumours that he had suffered a serious illness but the original prognosis was that he was struck down by a severe viral infection and the diagnosis was then commuted to a severe migraine. However the IRFU confirmed today in a statement that Henry requires more medical intervention to ascertain the full extent of the problem.

It read: “Chris Henry suffered some weakness on the morning of the South Africa game and a viral illness was suspected, he recovered quickly and the initial diagnosis was of severe migraine. Further tests however have shown he suffered a temporary blockage of a small blood vessel in his brain. He is at home now and is well but needs further investigation and specialist opinion.

Further scans expected

The player may have suffered what is known as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), which is caused by a tiny blood clot that becomes stuck in a small blood vessel (artery) in the brain. This blocks the blood flow, and a part of the brain is starved of oxygen. The affected part of the brain is without oxygen for just a few minutes, and soon recovers.

The 30 year old flanker, who was due to win his 14th cap against the Springboks, will undergo further tests that will probably include a CAT or MRI scans or both. It is hoped that he makes a speedy recovery and can resume his career.

Rory Best return on the cards

In other medical news from the Ireland camp, Mike McCarthy suffered symptoms after the victory over Georgia that are consistent with a concussion and he will follow the return-to-play protocols that would see him missing out on Saturday’s test match against Australia.

Centre Jared Payne is due to have a run out with the medical team to ascertain the extent of his progress from a foot injury sustained against South Africa while hooker Rory Best, who missed that match and the win over Georgia, is available for selection against the Wallabies.