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27 Sephora Skincare Finds Under $50

27 Sephora Skincare Finds Under $50

Buzz Feeda day ago

A hydrating serum that basically turns your face into a dewy glazed donut — in the best way. Packed with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, it's the MVP of your skincare lineup. Your makeup will sit better, your skin will glow harder, and you might even ditch foundation altogether.
Promising review: "I'm really loving it. It's super hydrating without being heavy, and my skin feels noticeably calmer and more balanced. The ceramides and hyaluronic acid combo have helped strengthen my skin barrier and keep irritation away. It absorbs quickly and works well under other products. For anyone dealing with dryness or sensitivity, this serum is definitely worth trying." —LenavbuPrice: $32
A brightening sleeping mask that works the night shift so you can wake up with glowier, softer skin. Infused with yuja (a citrusy Korean fruit), vitamin C, and niacinamide, this overnight mask is like a skin-reset button while you sleep. You'll wake up looking refreshed, radiant, and like you definitely didn't stay up late watching TikTok.
Promising review: "Obsessed with this sleeping mask! The fun jelly texture with little oily granules melts into the skin so nicely. I wake up with baby-smooth, super supple skin that looks fresh and bright. It really delivers that overnight glow-up." —AbsoblondiePrice: $30
A face oil that makes your skin feel like it got eight hours of sleep and a green juice. Hydrating? Check. Glowy? Double check. This dreamy oil is your shortcut to soft, radiant skin — and it plays well with makeup, too. No pilling, no greasy sheen, just 10/10 skin days ahead.
Promising review: "This has been my go-to oil for YEARS. It is the last step to my routine, morning and night. I have sensitive and acne-prone combination skin, and this is my holy grail product. It leaves my skin glowy and hydrated all year long." —SamTay123Price: $49
A lip gloss that gives glassy shine and actually hydrates your lips. Packed with hyaluronic acid, this non-sticky gloss glides on smoothly and leaves your lips looking full, juicy, and straight-up reflective. It's the lip product you reach for when you want to look put together in 0.2 seconds.
Promising review: "This lip gloss goes on really well. It feels nice, with no sticky texture. It's very moisturizing, with the moisture lasting for a really long time. The hyaluronic acid helps keep lips moisturized and plump. I received the clear color, and it's great alone or layered over a lip color! It's very moisturizing, adds a great amount of shine, too." —KingjrdPrice: $20 (available in 10 shades)
A liquid exfoliant that basically clears your skin's browser history. This BHA-based toner helps decongest pores, reduce bumps, and bring out your natural glow. It's a cult favorite for a reason — and yes, it really is that good.
Promising review: "This product is truly amazing! It gave my skin such an incredible texture, and surprisingly, my face didn't feel oily afterward. I would definitely repurchase it!" —EmoruPrice: $15+ (available in two sizes)
A body moisture treatment that lets you hydrate before you even towel off. This in-shower salve melts into damp skin like butter, locking in moisture without the sticky aftermath. It's the shortcut to soft, glowy skin.
Promising review: "This product is incredible. It smells like a dream and is the ultimate lazy girl hack for smooth, hydrated skin. Highly recommend." —Isabelle12Price: $34
A super primer that's part glow booster, part skin blurrer, and 100% going in your daily rotation. It gives you that soft-focus, lit-from-within finish while helping makeup stay put all day. Bonus: it layers like a dream and feels more like skincare than makeup.
Promising review: "I recently moved to a much drier climate and noticed my skin lost that dewy glow. Well, this brought that back. My foundation sits well on top. I am still early in the usage of this product, so I have seen no skin irritation or breakouts." —Lindsey36Price: $30
A cooling face mask that brings the chill — literally — while giving your skin a firmer, more sculpted look. Pop this on when your face needs a pick-me-up (or after a late night), and prepare to emerge looking way more awake than you feel.
Promising review: "The best face mask I have ever used. Very hydrating and gives the best glow!" —KwinglerPrice: $16
A volcanic clay mask that goes hard on dirt, oil, and impurities without drying you out. It smooths texture, clears pores, and leaves your skin feeling clean but never tight — aka the perfect reset after a long week.
Promising review: "I consistently have been using this product once a week when I notice the blackheads on my chin and cheeks flaring up. After washing off, all of the blackheads are gone. This mask also decreases my oil levels and makes my tired skin look and feel refreshed. No dried-out feeling afterward. Recommend if you get noticeable blackheads and want them gone ASAP." —TishacPrice: $18
A bouncy serum that basically gives your skin a pep talk — plus a glow-up to match. Infused with peony and collagen complex, it firms, brightens, and leaves your face feeling like you just bounced off a trampoline (but, you know, in a fun way). Your skin's new secret weapon for that 'I woke up like this' energy.
Promising review: "This has become my new favorite serum. It makes my skin look like I just got a facial. It definitely makes my skin look radiant. I don't know about bouncy, but it is firm, and I saw a difference almost immediately. I was a little worried about the scent, but I've had no issues. I'm about to buy another one to make sure I don't run out." —SunnyGeekPrice: $45
A tinted lip oil that's basically your lips getting a hydration degree with honors. It's juicy, glossy, and packed with moisture, so your pout looks fresh, plump, and ready for its close-up — no sticky residue allowed.
Promising review: "I've been using this product for three years. I'm onto my third tube. It is my most favorite used product. It lasts for hours, and I get compliments on it, and it makes my lips feel really soft once it's all soaked in. I think this is the most amazing lip gloss ever invented, and I really don't use anything else." —LuluBear618Price: $16 (available in three shades)
A spot treatment that's basically your pimples' eviction notice. With 10% sulfur doing the heavy lifting, it shrinks zits fast without turning your skin into the Sahara — clear, calm, and ready to glow.
Promising review: "This is my holy grail product for treating acne. I've been using it for 3+ years, and this is my third repurchase. I have VERY sensitive and dry acne-prone skin. This will literally get rid of a pimple overnight without causing any flaking, redness, or irritation the next morning. Like others have said, the smell isn't great, but it does become less noticeable as it dries down. I would rather have a product that works than one that smells good. For me, the results are worth it." —RachRayRachPrice: $28
A glow-boosting face oil that feels like a smoothie for your skin — fresh, fruity, and packed with antioxidants. It melts in fast, delivering hydration and a natural radiance that catches the light just right. It'll be your new go-to for that effortless, dewy radiance that lasts all day.
Promising review: "I freaking love this oil. I have good and bad experiences with face oils — some seem to cause pimples, some don't. I've been wary of putting products with essential oils on my face. But this oil is a home run for my dry, fairly sensitive skin. I love how it feels, how it smells, and that Kora makes a point of being one of the 'clean' brands. It's not inexpensive, but I'll gladly be purchasing a full-size bottle once the next sale comes around." —Canterbury600Price: $30
An Urban Decay skin tint meets moisturizer moment for when you want hydration, glow, and coverage without layering five different products. This one-and-done essential melts into your skin for a breathable, radiant finish that holds up all day.
Promising review: "I have dry skin, so this is the perfect foundation!!! It makes me look glowy and hydrated. It's 'medium' coverage, but it covers more! It doesn't feel heavy, it's very lightweight. This is one of the few products that doesn't make me break out or cause a skin reaction or dry me out!!" —DrearosilesPrice: $35 (available in 15 shades)
A refreshing face mist infused with watermelon, hyaluronic acid, and glow-boosting magic in every spritz. The ultra-fine spray feels like a cloud and leaves your skin looking dewy, hydrated, and straight-up radiant — whether you're setting makeup or just need a midday pick-me-up.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this mist! It's a must-have in my routine and makes my skin feel sooo hydrated and also smells very good as well!! I use it every single day and give it a 100/10. It's my favorite product I own!" —ConleyferebeePrice: $29
A gentle-but-effective retinol serum perfect for beginners or anyone easing into their skincare era. It helps fade fine lines and uneven tone while keeping your skin barrier happy and hydrated.
Promising review: "Loooove this retinol. I have naturally uneven skin and after a few weeks of steady use, I've been able to get away with just a CC cream and a light tan." —KttyktnPrice: $15
A brightening eye cream powered by a retinol alternative, so you get all the smoothing without any of the irritation. It's a lifesaver for your under-eyes when you've had one too many espresso martinis — think de-puffed, hydrated, and lit-from-within energy.
Promising review: "I was skeptical about this one, but I've tried every eye cream and gel out there and this is currently my favorite. It's creamy enough to truly hydrate my fine lines and wrinkles, but it wears beautifully under makeup and doesn't make my eyelids too oily. My skin is also sensitive, and I find this to be gentler than retinol products I've used, but just as effective, if not more effective. I use this product for both day and night at the moment and find it suitable for both." —Krys8Price: $46
A color-correcting serum giving Marvel-level transformation energy — goes on green, blends like a dream, and leaves your skin looking calm, even, and soft-focus flawless. Bonus: It has SPF 35, so you're protected while serving main character glow.
Promising review: "I cannot believe this product exists. I used to use the cream version, but it was very thick, almost mask-like (maybe I used too much). Either way, it felt heavier than makeup on my face. But this serum is incredible; it provides the same redness coverage as the cream, without the heaviness. It is still hydrating, though; this was my initial concern before I bought this product. The sun protection makes this product even more impressive. It's better than skin tints and tinted moisturizers." —Yas786Price: $49
A no-frills lash and brow serum bringing serious length and volume energy without breaking your bank. Peptides work overtime here to thicken and condition, so your brow game stays strong and your lashes flutter for days.
Promising review: "I have used many high-end serums and did not consider this option because I thought it was too cheap to work. I recently realized I wanted to use a brow serum without prostaglandin and thought, why not give it a shot? Saw immediate brow growth and some new growth as well! Will buy again." —JenniferMPPrice: $14.90
A sunscreen so lightweight and invisible it melts into your skin like pure magic. Perfect for layering under makeup or rocking solo, this multitasker brings serious SPF while keeping your glow selfie-ready all day long.
Promising review: "A little goes a long way! This is the best facial sunscreen I've ever used. Doesn't look oily or shiny. High SPF. I have regular skin — a little greasy in summer — and I have found nothing as good as this. You don't even need powder!" —MelanieKamekoPrice: $22+ (available in three sizes)
A glow-getting serum so smooth it'll slip into your routine like it's second nature. Ideal for layering or solo use, it floods your skin with hydration and instant radiance — because who doesn't want a little extra sparkle?
Promising review: "Amazing!!! My skin texture has evened out, and it has added much-needed moisture. Starting the perimenopause phase has left my skin dry, sallow, and bumpy. This serum has fixed it completely." —IcovePrice: $18
A set of six under-eye patches that feel like a mini spa treatment for your peepers. Whether you're jet lagged or just needing some chill time, they soothe, refresh, and leave your skin looking totally revived. Need I say more?
Promising review: "A game-changer! They feel incredibly soothing on the skin and instantly refresh tired eyes. After just 10 minutes, my under-eye area looked more hydrated, smoother, and noticeably brighter. I love that they stay in place and have a cooling effect without being too intense. Perfect for early mornings or post-travel touch-ups — these patches are now a staple in my skincare routine!" —RosalynLasbeurPrice: $24
A gentle foaming facial gel cleanser that's working low-key magic on tired skin. It foams just the right amount to clear away the day's mess while locking in moisture — because dry, sad skin isn't part of the summer itinerary.
Promising review: "Was looking for a simple everyday cleanser that would not dry out my skin or trigger my rosacea. Bonus that this also helps remove sunscreen. I love being able to simplify my cleansing routine on sunscreen-only days." —StormStephiePrice: $34 (available with or without fragrance)
A skin-smoothing roll-on tonic that's basically the VIP pass for irritated, bump-prone areas. With exfoliating acids in the mix, it fights ingrowns and redness like a pro, so your skin stays smooth AF all summer long.
Promising review: " Easy to apply, no smell, packaging is flaw-proof, and the tonic itself removes bumps, and scars from picking at the bumps that are very stubborn, redness, and pretty much everything, restoring an even skin tone and texture." —Tasha444Price: $26
A glow-boosting vitamin C essence loaded with fermented orange peel extract and niacinamide to keep your skin barrier happy. It hydrates, calms, and brightens, giving you that Beyoncé I woke up like this look every day. It's your skin's new BFF, no cap.
Promising review: "I never write reviews, but have to say this toner is incredible! It's the perfect vitamin C for me — no tackiness and adds vibrancy to my skin immediately. It's very watery and absorbs well, not much product is needed at all!" —ShurrenPrice: $48

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The things ER doctors do and don't worry about
The things ER doctors do and don't worry about

Yahoo

time3 hours ago

  • Yahoo

The things ER doctors do and don't worry about

A fun day out with the kids at a trampoline park, fueled by some energy drinks (and a Tylenol for your hangover) that ends with petting some gorgeous local dogs sounds like a lovely day for most, but those seemingly lowkey activities would leave an emergency room doctor panicking. A recent video posted to TikTok by Claire Edwards (username @theclairenecessities) titled 'Things my doctor husband does and does not care about' prompted other health professionals to weigh in and add their own personal favorite list of activities and items that either stress them out — or leave them unbothered. The Independent spoke to Dr Jason Idelson, clinical chief of corporate medicine at City MD, and Dr Anita Singh, chair of high acuity urgent care centers in New Jersey, to find out what common injuries they see, and which things don't concern them. Edwards' TikTok raised concerns over keeping children well away from hazards. As well as 'pointy objects,' people were quick to urge caution over bikes, backyard pools, and especially… trampolines. Yes, jumping up and down on a big matted platform surrounded by metal springs is great for practicing somersaults — and injuring yourself. 'I'm convinced trampoline parks are owned by orthopedic surgeons,' wrote the partner of an ER doctor in the comment section. 'Ortho wife here there's at least one kid a week in the clinic due to the trampoline park,' agreed another, adding a money emoji. Idelson, who has four children of his own, echoed the sentiment. 'There's the age-old saying that 'if you want to meet your local ER team – buy a trampoline,' he tells The Independent. 'Trampolines are a ton of fun… but the reality is, they're very dangerous for many reasons.' With summer approaching fast both Idelson and Singh warn people to 'stay vigilant' against the presence of ticks in clothing if hiking or in nature – as tick-borne diseases are common, and can be serious if not treated quickly. Reported tick sightings are nearly double already this year, with experts believing this may be our worst season yet. People are often scared to take ticks off by themselves, Singh says, though it's perfectly possible to do. 'Use tweezers, grab close to where it's attached to the skin and just give it a good twist and pull up and usually like that,' she says. Make sure to give them a strong tug, as it can often be difficult to remove them, she adds. To prevent needing to pull one out, wear the right clothing, including items that cover your arms and legs appropriately. In her video, Edwards apologized to dietitians before revealing that her husband does not care about drinking energy drinks – though several actually jumped in to agree. 'I don't care about energy drinks. Some days they are the only thing giving me the will to live,' wrote one, with another adding: 'I don't give a rip about energy drinks as long as someone doesn't regularly exceed 400 mg caffeine per day and the drink is low sugar or sugar free.' Caution is needed though, says Idelson, noting that some drinks can have the equivalent caffeine of five cups of coffee. 'We see a lot of people, particularly in the emergency department, coming in with arrhythmias of the heart because they're drinking too much [caffeine],' he says. A big no-no for ER doctors is taking acetaminophen (commonly sold as Tylenol) after drinking alcohol to help ward off a hangover. Both substances are processed by the liver, and alcohol can get in the way of the liver safely metabolizing the substance, which can lead to liver damage or even failure in serious cases. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, is not cleared by the liver – but you should still be careful. In excess, Ibuprofen can lead to ulcers of the stomach and gastrointestinal bleeds. But the key is always moderation. 'The reality is, one time, if you're drinking alcohol and you take some Tylenol and you have normal liver function, it's obviously not going to hurt you,' Idelson says. Keeping dogs near children is also of concern to ER doctors, with around two million children being bitten each year, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. Dog bites are 'very common,' says Singh. 'The most important thing is to know if that dog is fully up to date with their vaccines.' While facial bites can be quite severe and disfiguring, those in other areas, including hands, carry a higher risk of infection. Singh adds that people should be discouraged from feeding 'wild animals' such as raccoons and squirrels. 'People like to feed them for some reason… we probably shouldn't encourage that, because those kinds of animals possibly carry rabies,' she says. Another source of concern for Edwards' husband is glitter – which is hard to remove from the eyes of small children. While he hasn't personally seen the dangers of glitter first-hand, Idelson cautions against the presence of marbles and beads around young ones. 'Kids love to stick them up their nose,' he says. 'And they're very difficult to remove.' The one thing that really scares him though are magnets and button batteries, which Idelson says can be 'potentially life-threatening' if swallowed by children. Magnets can detach and reattach while going down, causing strictures or obstructions. Button batteries, which are small and round, are actually corrosive and can in fact burn holes in the lining of stomachs. 'They look cute and kids like to play with them, but.. they're extremely dangerous and parents need to be super careful,' Idelson says.

33 Discreet Fix-It Products For Personal Stuff
33 Discreet Fix-It Products For Personal Stuff

Buzz Feed

time15 hours ago

  • Buzz Feed

33 Discreet Fix-It Products For Personal Stuff

Lumify Eye Drops, a product so beloved by TikTok that despite being more $$ than other brands, it's the number one selling brand on Amazon right now. Reviewers swear by this for instant reduction in redness in their eyes, with visible differences within a minute of use. A teensy two-in-one nausea relief inhaler designed to work FAST on spontaneous nausea, motion sickness, morning sickness, and general queasiness (having a human body is hard). You can either use it as a scent inhaler or rub it directly on the tip of your nose for relief. Summer road trips and cruises just got a HECK of a lot more bearable. A nail renewal formula so effective at restoring discolored, damaged nails that reviewers started seeing results in as little as *two days*. This not only helps tackle symptoms of fungal damage, but helps reduce the thickness and correct the ridges, so your toenails can get the sweet relief they deserve. And a delightfully affordable instant foot peeling spray for anyone ready to go full YEEHAW!! on that at-home pedicure. This not only helps gently remove dead skin, but moisturizes dry and cracked heels, so you'll really get some refreshing bang for your buck. A set of super affordable hydrocolloid nose pore patches that will make you go "boy HOWDY" when you see how much gunk collects on them overnight. Reviewers swear by these for gently lifting out sebum from pores and pimples and minimizing their appearance! First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads to use after you shave to help prevent the infection of ingrown hairs, so you don't have to spend hours psyching yourself up to shave, knowing that you're gonna be dodging a bazillion sensitive spots on your skin. Elephant Ear Washer Bottle System for anyone whose ear wax situation has their primary care doctor going, "Yiiiiikes." Now you can take care of it at home easily, gently, and a little too effectively — the bits of wax this dislodges out of reviewers' ears are truly leaving them in shock! A reviewer-beloved anti-dandruff shampoo to relieve flaking and itching and help prevent outbreaks by getting directly to the root. A lot of reviewers mention that it not only started working from the first use, but it *also* helped with shedding and hair loss caused by dandruff in the first place. An oral rinse made with a mild mint flavor that packs a powerful punch — this formula fights bad breath for a full 24 hours and can combat those sour, bitter, and metallic tastes you can sometimes get in your mouth. First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub Exfoliant to help exfoliate and smooth skin by dealing with rough patches or dry bumps — a lot of reviewers with keratosis pilaris and similar skin textures swear by this for relief, with many noticing a difference after the very first use. A painless, mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen reviewers swear by as an alternative to pricey professional treatments and strips. This gets results from the very first use, lightening up years' worth of stains from coffee, tea, wine, or just, you know, existing as a human with teeth. Joesoef's pharmaceutical-grade anti-acne sulfur soap that people with acne, rosacea, dermatitis, and clogged pores swear by for helping clear their skin and relieve the tenderness. A lot of reviewers noted that they found this specific product after their dermatologists recommended it to them! Compound W Wart Removal Pads infused with concentrated wart removal medication to reduce the size and eliminate warts in a matter of days. A lot of reviewers turned to these after professional wart removals didn't work for them and saw much better results! A pack of unscented SweatBlock wipes that work for up to *seven days* after application — perfect for those of us whose underarms are a little, uh, enthusiastic, to say the least. Reviewers especially swear by this for events that might bring on nervous sweating! And a tube of antiperspirant hand cream for anyone whose hyperhidrosis has their hands and palms getting a little *too* slippy-slide-y for their comfort. Mielle's Rosemary Mint strengthening oil, a reviewer-beloved, TikTok-famous beauty prod that lives up to the hype — this is infused with biotin so it doesn't just strengthen hair, but helps encourage growth. Reviewers who use this consistently swear by it for thinning hairlines, sparse hair at their part, bald patches, and even their eyebrows! Boldify Hairline Powder for anyone who's like, "Hmmm. Wasn't there ... a lot more hair there before??" when they're styling their roots. This "makeup for hair" helps effortlessly fill in the gaps in your hairline so you don't have style around it. Reviewers also swear by this for touching up their roots between appointments! A dark spot-removing soap bar you might want to try if you're someone with sensitive skin or hyperpigmentation — this is formulated not only with hyaluronic acid to protect your skin's moisture barrier but a blend of vitamin C, retinol, collagen, and turmeric to help brighten and soothe skin. A Benzene-free, travel-friendly applicator of I Dew Care's dry shampoo powder so easy to use that you can just dab it on your hairline and rub it in for an instant, oil-absorbing refresh. Now your "no wash" days are a secret that you and your roots will never tell 👀. A deliciously soothing, super gentle Briotech spray reviewers compare to the pricier Tower 28 SOS Spray. It's similarly designed with hypochlorous acid, which targets bacteria that causes acne, skin irritation, and blemishes *without* drying your skin. Reviewers swear by this handy little spray for helping not just with acne, but rosacea, eczema, dryness, dermatitis (scalp included!), and even toenail fungus. A set of seamless, delightfully absorbent cotton and bamboo liners, because even when you can take the heat, sometimes your boobs simply CANNOT. Now they can sweat in peace without you worrying about sweat stains on your favorite blouse. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion for anyone who has had their fill of acne stickers and wants a more effective solution for overnight zit care. Just dab a constellation of this over your blemishes to help dry them out and reduce redness while you snooze. This gets extra points for being sensitive skin-friendly and easy to use! A shampoo scalp massager you can use in the shower not just to massage and exfoliate your scalp, but help with psoriasis, dandruff, and scalp tenderness! A pack of super thin hydrocolloid cold sore healing patches to help speed up healing and relieve some of the itch and "ouch!" of a breakout as fast as possible. A pair of leakproof period "Cloudfeel" boyshorts designed to hold up to 12 (!!) tampons worth of period blood, giving you tons of protection on heavier flow days or overnight. Reviewers love how ultra soft and comfortable the fabric feels — not to mention the money it saves on disposable period products! A stainless-steel tongue scraper that a lot of reviewers bought to prevent bad breath, but ended up loving even *more* because it made their mouth feel so squeaky clean (and, in a lot of cases, made their taste buds experience flavor a lot more intensely!). A saline nasal gel to help soothe your poor nostrils to recover from allergy season. You can apply one to two drops directly around your nostrils for instant relief from the discomfort, including soothing aloe to moisturize the area. "Gloves In A Bottle," aka the hero of anyone with dry, cracked hands — this game-changing lotion not only helps heal your skin, but actively protects it for four to twelve hours, even through repeated hand washes. Reviewers with eczema or those who have to sanitize frequently for work swear by this! A tea tree oil butt acne-clearing lotion working overtime to help clear and prevent further buttne. (Is that already a word, or am I getting ... ~cheeky~?) A hair identifier spray to make shaving or dermaplaning *that* much more efficient — this not only highlights where your hair is so you don't miss a spot, but also moisturizes and protects skin while you're shaving. This is also a great way to ensure you aren't *over*-shaving areas, since you'll know right away if the hair is taken care of! A piercing bump solution made with jojoba, grape seed, and rose that'll help speed over the healing process over the course of a few weeks, so your new piercings can ~dazzle~ everyone in their full glory. A podiatrist-level toenail clipper to quickly and easily take care of thicker toenails and ingrown ones, so if you want to give yourself a pedicure and paint your toesies now that sandals are fair game again, you can do it right at home. A pack of Dr. Frederick's Original Better Blister Bandages, aka the blister whisperers — if you're someone who tends to get blisters when your feet sweat, you'll want to invest in these. These waterproof bandages don't just protect blisters, but are designed to actively help heal them (and significantly reduce the pain from friction!).

Meriden woman with rare brain condition inspires others on social media
Meriden woman with rare brain condition inspires others on social media

Yahoo

time16 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Meriden woman with rare brain condition inspires others on social media

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A Connecticut woman had no idea she had a rare brain condition since birth until she passed out and was flown to Hartford Hospital, where she would end up needing four surgeries. 'My mom had said that I came to her with a regular headache and she said within a matter of five minutes, I had passed out,' 26-year-old Michaela Williams of Meriden said. That jumpstarted her emergency medical ordeal. Dr. Eric Sussman, a Hartford Hospital neurosurgeon helped save her life. It turns out that Williams was among just 1% of the population to have a condition called arteriovenous malformation, or AVM. It is abnormal tangles of high pressure blood vessels in her brain. They flowed into delicate arteries which started to bleed under pressure. 'Removing the AVM is very, I think, one of the more complex surgeries that we do. But in her case it was just the whole clinical picture of her being sick and really teetering on the edge the whole time she was here,' Sussman, who specializes in vascular surgery, said. Sussman says Williams underwent four surgeries, including a craniotomy, where part of her skull was removed to allow her brain to heal for a period of time. Williams' strength and faith pulled her through. Sussman calls it miraculous. 'I'm still creative. I like to write. I like to paint. I like to go outside,' Williams said, who continues to make uplifting TikTok videos like she did before her diagnosis. She hopes to help others who may be going through a tough time. 'I want them to feel encouraged, understood, heard. I want them to feel like they're not the only one,' Williams would like to make a dating app for others living with brain injuries.'Everybody that follows me on TikTok, they are family. They encourage me, they push me, uplift me and we encourage and push and uplift each other,' Williams said. There are two very positive takeaways from Williams' journey. First, she was very lucky that her mother was home when she first passed out to get her emergency care. Second, Dr. Sussman said that her brain will continue to heal, possibly for a few more years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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