What Is Vasculitis? Autoimmune Disorder Left Ashton Kutcher Unable To See, Hear or Walk

Actor Ashton Kutcher recently shared his experience with vasculitis, an autoimmune condition that left him unable to walk for more than a year and damaged his hearing, sight, and ability to hear. On the show Running Wild with Bear Grylls: The Challenge, the actor spoke about his disease. In a video clip from the episode that Access Hollywood posted, Ashton Kutcher can be heard saying, "Like two years ago, I had this crazy, very rare form of vasculitis that like knocked out my vision, it knocked out my hearing, it knocked out like all my equilibrium."

Ashton Kutcher also added that he is lucky to be alive, he said, "You don't really appreciate it until it's gone, until you go, I don't know if I'm ever going be able to see again. I don't know if I'm going be able to hear again, I don't know if I'm going to be able to walk again. I'm lucky to be alive."

After the clip from the episode went viral, the actor came to clarify in a tweet that he was diagnosed 3 years ago and that he has recovered now. He wrote, "Before there are a bunch of rumors/ chatter/ whatever out there. Yes, I experienced an unusual case of vasculitis 3 years ago. After that (an autoimmune flare-up), I experienced some hearing, vision, and balance issues. I am totally healed now."

What Is Vasculitis?

Inflammation of the blood vessels is known as vasculitis. The body's immune system's natural reaction to any damage or illness is inflammation, which can, under normal circumstances, aid the body in fighting invading microorganisms. In contrast, healthy blood vessels enlarge and narrow down as a result of the immune system of the body becoming activated in vasculitis.

Despite the fact that the actual cause is frequently uncertain or unknown, the UK's National Health Service claims that an infection or medicine may be the cause of vasculitis.

Vasculitis can range from a minor skin issue to a serious disorder that affects the heart, kidneys, or other key organs, as it was in Kutcher's case.

What Are The Different Types of Vasculitis?

The Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center estimates that there are about 20 distinct diseases that fall under the umbrella term "vasculitis." Vasculitis is referred to as "inflammation within blood vessels" or "inflammation in arteries" by the synonyms angiitis and arteritis. According to the Johns Hopkins Center, there are numerous forms of vasculitis, which is why the term is occasionally used to refer to the entire group.

This group of illnesses includes a wide variety of conditions. Despite certain similarities amongst the diseases, it claims that the organs that are affected, the medications that are used to treat them, and other aspects of the disorders frequently vary.

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What Is Vasculitis Treatment?

Different types of inflammation lead to various diseases, each with its own set of signs and symptoms and methods of treatment. In addition to other medications that lessen immune system function, steroids are frequently prescribed. Health organisations advise patients that some types of vasculitis might develop into significant issues if untreated.