Bret has been in the news recently because he suffered a hemorrhage, specifically, a brain hemorrhage called a “subarachnoid brain hemorrhage”. This type of hemorrhage causes bleeding in the fluid filled spaces around the base of the brain. The Poison Frontman was in the hospital after having an appendectomy.
The cause of the bleed has not been identified, according to Dr. Joseph Zambraski, chief of cerebrovascular surgery at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, where Michaels was treated.
According to Dr. Zambraski, "Patients who don't have anything identified in their angiograms tend to do well," Zambraski said. "This is one of those rare instances in medicine where we're actually pleased not to be able to find what caused the problem."
Bret described the experience in People Magazine as one of of extreme pain, he said “sounded like a handgun, like it literally popped."
What are the symptoms of a brain hemorrhage?
- severe headache that starts suddenly and is often worse near the back of the head
- decreased consciousness and alertness
- difficulty or loss of movement or feeling
- mood and personality changes
- muscle aches
- neck pain
- shoulder pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- photophobia (light bothers or hurts the eyes)
- seizure
- stiff neck
- vision problems
Brett will receive therapy and will probably continue to suffer from severe pain for another seven to 10 days as blood pooled under his brain dissolves, said Zabramski, chief of cerebrovascular surgery at the Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. Bret said, "It made my mind go almost blank. My neck tensed up. I couldn't move my head at all." He also reported realizing he was slurring his words.
Treatment of a hemorrhage involves repairing the place where the bleeding occurred, relieving pressure on the brain and strict control of blood pressure. Strict bed rest may be advised. Brett will have to avoid activities that can increase pressure inside the head such as bending over, straining, and suddenly changing position.
He told People Magazine, he feels "lucky to be alive".
We wish Brett a speedy and full recovery.
Source: Bret Michaels says hemorrhage felt like gunshot, the Associated Press May 6, 2010
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