3 days ago
Michael Barrymore issues health update and admits 'it's scary'
Michael Barrymore revealed he has "uncontrollable seizures" as he shared an emotional health update with fans.
The veteran TV presenter said he had developed epilepsy after experiencing a mini stroke.
Taking to TikTok, the 73-year-old admitted he found his diagnosis "scary" and he'd had "several attacks this year".
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According to the NHS, symptoms of epilepsy - a condition that affects your brain and causes seizures - often start in young children and people over 50.
Speaking about his diagnosis on the platform, the former game show host said: "A mini stroke caused me to develop epilepsy where I have uncontrollable seizures...
"I suffer from cluster seizures, which affects a quarter of people with epilepsy.
"It means I have more than one, usually three individual seizures in a short period of time."
The Mirror reports that Michael, who headlined the Royal Variety Performance in 1993, must take emergency medication if he has a seizure.
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The star continued: "It's scary because there's a 40 per cent chance of going into epilepticus, which causes brain damage and death without prompt medical attention.
"I've had several attacks this year and have emergency medication at home if I go into a seizure.
"It doesn't really affect my life otherwise, but it would be nice to talk with other sufferers on here about it."
The entertainer, who has become popular with Gen Z with his TikToks and vlogs, has received more than 580,000 views on the video, which shows him in a hospital bed.
Many left Michael messages of support, with fans also sharing their own experiences of living with the condition.
