In April 2023, Hollywood star Jamie Foxx faced a life-threatening medical emergency when he suffered a brain bleed that led to a stroke. He fell into a coma for weeks and lost 20 days of his life. Foxx shared his experience in his Netflix special, stating, “I was fighting for my life.”
Foxx’s condition was critical; his doctor at Piedmont Hospital indicated that immediate surgery was necessary to save him. After the operation, he awoke on May 4, 2023, in a wheelchair, unable to walk. His recovery was supported by family and faith, which he described as a “miracle.”
Foxx stated, “April 11, I was having a bad headache, and I asked my boy for an aspirin … before I could get the aspirin … I went out. I don’t remember 20 days.”
Brain bleeds, or hemorrhagic strokes, affect about 70,000 to 80,000 patients in the U.S. each year. Dr. Paul Saphier, a neurosurgeon, stated, “These bleeds can also be related to blood vessel issues, such as brain aneurysms and vascular malformations.”
Saphier added, “For patients with a strong family history of intracranial hemorrhages, the American Heart [Association] and American Stroke Association recommend screening for brain aneurysms and vascular malformations for early detection and prevention.”
Potential causes of brain bleeds include head trauma, blood clots, and blood vessel abnormalities. Risk factors are linked to lifestyle choices and health conditions, such as high blood pressure and smoking. Managing these factors is crucial for prevention.
Saphier said, “If someone does have a strong family history of brain aneurysms, or [intracranial] hemorrhages, they should discuss [it] with a primary care doctor, as they may be a candidate for brain aneurysm screening and prevention.”
Bob Saget’s tragic death on January 9 was attributed to a brain bleed caused by a head injury sustained in a fall. The comedian was found in his hotel room, and an autopsy revealed no foul play or drug use. Investigators concluded he likely fell backward, fracturing his skull before falling asleep.
The autopsy report indicated that Saget had bleeding and contusions in his brain, classifying his death as a result of blunt head trauma. Following a head injury, even mild headaches can signal a dangerous condition like a hematoma, which can fill the brain with blood and be life-threatening.
Dr. Neha Dangayach warned that individuals often dismiss headaches after minor injuries. Symptoms can vary, with serious cases showing immediate signs like severe headaches or paralysis, while others may develop subtle symptoms over time.
