Breaking News: Bret Michaels Is at Risk for Seizures, Tests Show
Credit: George Napolitano/FilmMagic
Although in stable condition, Bret Michaels is now at a risk for seizures as he recovers from last week's brain hemorrhage, new test results show. A new statement released Tuesday afternoon by the singer's rep explains that Michaels, 47, suffers from a side effect called hyponatremia -- a lack of sodium in the body, which leads to seizures.
The doctors call the discovery a "minor setback" and are "hopeful that Bret will gradually improve as the blood surrounding the brain dissolves and is reabsorbed into his system, which can be a very painful recovery and take several weeks to months," the rep explains.
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Still under 24-hour care at in the ICU of an undisclosed facility, the Poison frontman is "in positive spirits" and "responding well to tests and treatments," the rep says. "His condition could have been fatal."
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The medical staff tending to Michaels still has not determined what caused the bleeding -- though some continue to wonder whether it could be Michaels' June 2009 injury at the Tony awards (when a prop piece struck him to the ground).
Also complicating his recovery: Michaels had an emergency appendectomy earlier this month, and also suffers from Type 1 diabetes.
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The medical staff plans to release more specific information about Michaels' condition next Monday.
Earlier Tuesday, Michaels' father Wally Sychak told Extra about speaking on the phone with his ailing son. The Rock of Love star "sounded a little slow, but fine," Sychak said.
"He understood what he was saying and knew me. Everything seemed good that way...They say he's moving his arms and hands," he said. "The best as they could expect at this time."
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21GET WELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Praying for you Bret, and hope your feeling better soon..can't wait to hear more of your music,i grew up with you and POISON..LOVE YOU BUNCHES......
Once again, US is not on the move when it comes to new articles. Same things over and over. Yet other websites have already reported that Sandra Bullock has adopted a new baby as a single parent and that she's divorcing Jesse James. Earth to US, WHERE is your breaking new on THAT?
Wishing and hoping you have a speedy recovery, you are a beautiful soul.
SO SAD,I PRAY FOR IS RECOVERY.MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS 2 GIRLS AND HIS FAMILY.BEST OF LUCK. IM A LONG TIME BRET FAN.KEEP FIGHTING BRET.
so sad; I've prayed for his recovery.
I didn't have high regard for Bret before seeing him on Celebrity Apprentice. He is a loving gentle soul and I do hop he gets better. As for those of you using this forum to promote your own political ideaologies and drumming up support for your business (mbay), it's really not the place. Mbay, in particular, you are seeking the wrong kind of 'branding' for your company -- taking advantage of people concerned about someone else's health crisis to sell Ed Hardy clothing? Not a good marketing strategy.
So sad! My prayers are still with him, even though "they" say the odds are against him, I'm happy to hear he is slowly, but surely getting better. Such a scray thing! So unpredictable
This sight is very hot and usefull to all
Congrats Arizona for passing such a beautiful law that 80% of the people support. Lets put an end to ILLEGAL immigration...those who cross the border are the lil' innocent Guadalupe and Jose...it's the drug dealers, rapists, muderers and looters. But the liberal media wants you to believe that all illegals are innocent and want a better life, when in truth crime rates have skyrocketed in areas that a swarm with the illegal infestation. I hope California, Texas, Nevada and New Mexico follow.
I hope Bret continues his recovery. Brain hemorrage is a tough condition to get over. With risk of seizures. He'll be lucky to prolong his life.
This is so sad.... get well Bret... xoxo
How is medical information so available to the public when it comes to celebs? Isn't this in violation of HIPPA? Or, does HIPPA only apply to certain situations?
My mom died a few months ago from the same thing. She was in a medical induced coma for a few months, came out of it and was able to speak and start to move her arms, and then the bleed came back and she died. This situation that Bret is in is terrible and sadly the prognosis isn't good. I was told that to find the location of the bleed is sometimes impossible, especially if the bleed never stops. Current medical technology is amazing, but it's not like it is on tv or in the movies. I'm sure the docs are doing everything they can, and what's most important is that he's pain free. My thoughts are with his family.
oh my god! Could it get any worse!
I didn't mean for that first sentence to sound like dehydration was an electrolyte imbalance. Dehydration can cause an electrolyte imbalance, such as the hyponatremia that Bret Michaels is now being treated for.
Hyponatremia isn't a side effect of a hemorrhage, it's a complication of dehydration, an electrolyte imbalance. Depending on what his sodium levels are, I would say maybe he's not receiving the best medical care, he should be on IV fluids that are meant to maintain this and other electrolyte balances. Too much sodium can cause a fluid shift and increase intracranial pressure, but too little is also a serious concern, ie the potential for seizures. Also, any patient with a neurological situation is generally put on an anti-seizure medication due to the risks of experiencing seizure-like activity. Hopefully he is getting decent care, because it really does make a difference in patient outcome.
This guy can't catch a break
THis is not really a setback, people who suffer brain anyuerisms are susceptible to seizures especially in the first 21 days. I don't believe he is concious but they must have him heavily sedated and that will help with the seizure activity. My thoughts and prayers are with Bret. My best friend suffered an anyuerism at age 32 she has major disabilities now and fights every day.
Such a terrible thing to happen to a more than wonderfil man .Thoughts, prayers and wishes all the way xxxxxxxxxx