Case Study 2-slide 5

The transcription explains that in sickle cell disease, red blood cells become sickle-shaped and lose their flexibility. This causes blockages in blood flow, leading to serious complications like stroke, eye problems, infections, and episodes of pain. What happens to the red blood cell to cause sickling? Normally, red blood cells are disshaped and flexible, allowing them to move easily through blood vessels. Due to the genetic mutation, red blood cells in sickle cell disease become crescent, or sickle-shaped, losing their flexibility. These sickled red blood cells are unable to bend or move easily, leading to blockages in blood flow throughout the body. The blocked blood flow can result in serious complications such as stroke, eye problems, infections, and episodes of pain, known as pain crises.