Latest news with #strokes
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Michael Barrymore, 73, reveals shock health diagnosis that led to mini strokes as he reaches out to fans for support in heartbreaking post
Michael Barrymore has revealed a shock health diagnosis that led to mini strokes as he reached out to fans for support in a heartbreaking TikTok video on Thursday. The comedian, 73, was previously one of the UK's top stars but his decades long career ended after the death of Stuart Lubbock in 2001 following a party at his Essex home. The star lost his job at ITV shortly afterwards in 2003, and he was rarely seen again until he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in January 2006 - managing to finish in second place. Yet he was plagued by another scandal five years when he later admitted possessing cocaine that was found in his pocket after police approached his car. A charge of being drunk and disorderly was withdrawn at the hearing. Despite the incidents, Michael has become an unlikely icon for Gen Z and is now a well-loved TikToker and YouTube vlogger. But in a recent video posted online, the star revealed he had been diagnosed with epilepsy which was caused by a mini stroke. Sharing a series of photos of him in a hospital, he penned: 'I developed epilepsy at 73... '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. 'It's scary because there's a 40% 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.' DailyMail has contacted Michael's representative for comment. It comes after it was revealed that Michael 'could be earning £250k a year' after becoming unlikely social media star in shock comeback. PR expert Lynn Carratt has estimated he could be making more than £250,000 a year, thanks to his clips and collaboration with Sports Direct that could have made him £1,500 alone. A friend of Michael's told The Sun: 'Michael is having a great time. He lives to entertain people, and while he may not be getting the TV offers he once did, this way he gets to create his own content on his own terms. He finished the series of snaps off by asking any of his fans who are experiencing the same thing to talk with him about it WHAT IS EPILEPSY? Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and leaves patients at risk of seizures. Around one in 100 people in the UK have epilepsy, Epilepsy Action statistics reveal. And in the US, 1.2 per cent of the population have the condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Anyone can have a seizure, which does not automatically mean they have epilepsy. Usually more than one episode is required before a diagnosis. Seizures occur when there is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain, which causes a disruption to the way it works. Some seizures cause people to remain alert and aware of their surroundings, while others make people lose consciousness. Some also make patients experience unusual sensations, feelings or movement, or go stiff and fall to the floor where they jerk. Epilepsy can be brought on at any age by a stroke, brain infection, head injury or problems at birth that lead to lack of oxygen. But in more than half of cases, a cause is never found. Anti-epileptic drugs do not cure the condition but help to stop or reduce seizures. If these do not work, brain surgery can be effective. 'What started as a bit of a hobby online has now become a way of connecting with his fans again, flexing his funny bone and getting back to doing what he loves without the pressure and scrutiny that comes with being on the nation's TV screens every week.' In 2001, Stuart Lubbock lost his life in suspicious circumstances following a party at Barrymore's home. The 31-year-old father of two had met Barrymore in a club that evening, and returned to his house with eight others. He was found unresponsive in the pool, and pronounced dead later in hospital. A post-mortem examination showed he had suffered severe internal injuries, suggesting sexual assault. Police continue to believe he was raped and murdered. Despite years of investigation, no one has ever been charged, and his family are no closer to knowing what happened. Michael has always denied any knowledge of what happened. Stuart's father Terry, who campaigned tirelessly for justice and was a thorn in Michael's side, died in 2021 from cancer. He always believed that even if Barrymore, who fled the scene before police arrived, wasn't involved, he could have done more to bring closure to the family. Terry's dying wish was that the truth would one day emerge. For many years it was assumed Barrymore's career had died along with Stuart Lubbock. Dropped by ITV because his 'brand' had become so toxic (it had been plagued by drug and alcohol issues even before the pool night). There were a few attempts to regain the limelight, including an appearance on 2006's Big Brother and Dancing On Ice. The quiet building of his TikTok brand began in 2022, when he started posting videos from his TV heyday, including clips from Kids Say The Funniest Things. His content has since evolved, making him hugely 'relevant'. His fans see him as not just Uncle Michael (or even Grandpa Michael), but as one of their own. Michael has amassed a whopping 3.8million followers and a gargantuan 261 million likes on TikTok. Even Sabrina Carpenter is a fan - she reposted one of his videos, which led to him exclaiming: 'Gang I just woke up to find that Sabrina Carpenter knows I exist. I am fangirling so hard right now!!' His followers are treated to daily videos about what he eats in a day, his outfits, mini vlogs and Labubu unboxings. He says posting content on TikTok – which his fans see as 'wholesome' – is pretty much a full-time job. There were rumours of a new partner (he was photographed in Barcelona with a handsome younger man), his new life in Spain didn't work out. Michael announced last year he was quitting Britain and moving to Spain, but just six weeks later, he was almost weeping in his car, and declaring himself homesick. Fans flocked to put a metaphorical arm around him, posting that he should just 'come home'. One offered him her spare room, as one might to any stranger finding themselves suddenly homeless (kind but possibly not needed since the car he was in was his £75,000 Porsche Macan).
Yahoo
11-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What blood clots actually feel and look like – and when to worry
Blood clots are among the most feared medical emergencies, and for good reason. They can lead to heart attacks, strokes and death. But not all clots are dangerous. In fact, clotting is a natural and often lifesaving bodily function that helps stop bleeding when we're injured. It's how a scraped knee stops oozing and why a minor cut doesn't require a trip to the emergency room. The danger arises when clots form in the wrong place or at the wrong time. Here's what blood clots are, how they're typically treated and what they actually feel and look like so you can know when it's time to worry. What is a blood clot? A blood clot is a gel-like clump of blood components, primarily made up of platelets and fibrin, that forms to stop bleeding. 'Fibrin is a protein that forms a mesh-like structure to trap blood cells, and platelets are small cell fragments that clump together and adhere to the mesh,' explains Dr. Fadi Shamoun, a cardiologist and vascular medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic. Clots are meant to form when the body signals for clotting in response to an injury, and then dissolve once healing begins. But not all clots form for the right reasons or in the right places. If a clot develops inside a blood vessel without external trauma, or if one forms appropriately but doesn't dissolve, it can pose serious health risks. Clots can form in either arteries (arterial thrombosis) or veins (venous thromboembolism, or VTE). 'When clots form in the veins of the body's circulatory system, they often develop in the legs and can travel to the lungs, causing what's known as a pulmonary embolism,' says Dr. Shaline Rao, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Hospital, Long Island. Clots that form in arteries, she adds, can cut off blood flow to the heart or brain, leading to a heart attack or stroke. 'Low movement of blood can trigger clotting,' Rao explains. This can happen due to prolonged immobility, recent surgery, smoking, cancer, hormone therapy, pregnancy, or inherited clotting disorders. Underlying medical conditions like atrial fibrillation also increase the risk and age can be another factor. This is because our blood tends to clot more easily as we get older and blood vessel walls become more prone to damage. Did you see? Blood clotting is normal. But here's why some blood clots turn dangerous, experts say. What does a blood clot feel like? What a blood clot feels or looks like depends on where it forms. For example, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs in the legs, may cause a heavy or cramping sensation – typically in just one leg – as well as localized swelling (especially below the knee), tenderness that worsens when walking or standing, a visible lump or cord under the skin and warmth or redness in the area. If a clot travels to the lungs or heart, it can produce symptoms similar to a heart attack. These include sudden shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, sharp chest pain, a rapid heartbeat and 'difficulty breathing, painful coughing and sometimes feeling lightheaded or faint,' Shamoun says. Clots that form in the brain cause stroke-like symptoms, including 'vision changes, slurring of speech, sudden weakness on one side of the body or even confusion,' says Dr. Doris Chan, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn. While some clots produce dramatic symptoms, others are more subtle. That's why unexplained swelling, pain, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath should always prompt immediate medical attention. Experiencing shortness of breath? How to tell if it's anxiety or a heart condition How are blood clots treated? When a blood clot is suspected, imaging tools such as an ultrasound or CT scans are typically used to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment. The most common treatment for vein-related clots is anticoagulation, which is often referred to as blood thinning. This type of treatment 'prevents the clot from growing and reduces the risk of new clots,' Shamoun says. Common blood thinners include warfarin, heparin, apixaban, rivaroxaban and dabigatran. Clots in arteries are usually treated with antiplatelet agents such as aspirin or clopidogrel, says Chan. In more serious or high-risk cases, such as with strokes or pulmonary embolisms, patients may require more intensive clot-busting medications or minimally invasive procedures to remove the clot directly. 'And some hospitals are equipped with devices that can suction out clots or use tools to reopen blocked arteries or veins,' Chan adds. Supportive therapies like compression stockings are often also recommended, especially for patients with ongoing risk factors such as cancer or heart disease. Regardless of what treatment plan is recommended, identifying the root cause of the clot is key. Early detection and proper care can prevent nearly every blood clot from becoming an emergency. 'The best advice is if something feels off about your body,' suggests Rao, 'it's best to be seen by a doctor quickly to have all treatment options considered.' This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What does a blood clot feel like? Hear from cardiologists.
Yahoo
11-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What blood clots actually feel and look like – and when to worry
Blood clots are among the most feared medical emergencies, and for good reason. They can lead to heart attacks, strokes and death. But not all clots are dangerous. In fact, clotting is a natural and often lifesaving bodily function that helps stop bleeding when we're injured. It's how a scraped knee stops oozing and why a minor cut doesn't require a trip to the emergency room. The danger arises when clots form in the wrong place or at the wrong time. Here's what blood clots are, how they're typically treated and what they actually feel and look like so you can know when it's time to worry. What is a blood clot? A blood clot is a gel-like clump of blood components, primarily made up of platelets and fibrin, that forms to stop bleeding. 'Fibrin is a protein that forms a mesh-like structure to trap blood cells, and platelets are small cell fragments that clump together and adhere to the mesh,' explains Dr. Fadi Shamoun, a cardiologist and vascular medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic. Clots are meant to form when the body signals for clotting in response to an injury, and then dissolve once healing begins. But not all clots form for the right reasons or in the right places. If a clot develops inside a blood vessel without external trauma, or if one forms appropriately but doesn't dissolve, it can pose serious health risks. Clots can form in either arteries (arterial thrombosis) or veins (venous thromboembolism, or VTE). 'When clots form in the veins of the body's circulatory system, they often develop in the legs and can travel to the lungs, causing what's known as a pulmonary embolism,' says Dr. Shaline Rao, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Hospital, Long Island. Clots that form in arteries, she adds, can cut off blood flow to the heart or brain, leading to a heart attack or stroke. 'Low movement of blood can trigger clotting,' Rao explains. This can happen due to prolonged immobility, recent surgery, smoking, cancer, hormone therapy, pregnancy, or inherited clotting disorders. Underlying medical conditions like atrial fibrillation also increase the risk and age can be another factor. This is because our blood tends to clot more easily as we get older and blood vessel walls become more prone to damage. Did you see? Blood clotting is normal. But here's why some blood clots turn dangerous, experts say. What does a blood clot feel like? What a blood clot feels or looks like depends on where it forms. For example, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs in the legs, may cause a heavy or cramping sensation – typically in just one leg – as well as localized swelling (especially below the knee), tenderness that worsens when walking or standing, a visible lump or cord under the skin and warmth or redness in the area. If a clot travels to the lungs or heart, it can produce symptoms similar to a heart attack. These include sudden shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, sharp chest pain, a rapid heartbeat and 'difficulty breathing, painful coughing and sometimes feeling lightheaded or faint,' Shamoun says. Clots that form in the brain cause stroke-like symptoms, including 'vision changes, slurring of speech, sudden weakness on one side of the body or even confusion,' says Dr. Doris Chan, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn. While some clots produce dramatic symptoms, others are more subtle. That's why unexplained swelling, pain, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath should always prompt immediate medical attention. Experiencing shortness of breath? How to tell if it's anxiety or a heart condition How are blood clots treated? When a blood clot is suspected, imaging tools such as an ultrasound or CT scans are typically used to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment. The most common treatment for vein-related clots is anticoagulation, which is often referred to as blood thinning. This type of treatment 'prevents the clot from growing and reduces the risk of new clots,' Shamoun says. Common blood thinners include warfarin, heparin, apixaban, rivaroxaban and dabigatran. Clots in arteries are usually treated with antiplatelet agents such as aspirin or clopidogrel, says Chan. In more serious or high-risk cases, such as with strokes or pulmonary embolisms, patients may require more intensive clot-busting medications or minimally invasive procedures to remove the clot directly. 'And some hospitals are equipped with devices that can suction out clots or use tools to reopen blocked arteries or veins,' Chan adds. Supportive therapies like compression stockings are often also recommended, especially for patients with ongoing risk factors such as cancer or heart disease. Regardless of what treatment plan is recommended, identifying the root cause of the clot is key. Early detection and proper care can prevent nearly every blood clot from becoming an emergency. 'The best advice is if something feels off about your body,' suggests Rao, 'it's best to be seen by a doctor quickly to have all treatment options considered.' This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What does a blood clot feel like? Hear from cardiologists.
Bloomberg
31-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Stock Movers: LLY, ABBV, WBD
On this episode of Stock Movers: - Eli Lilly (LLY) shares are moving on news the company's diabetes drug Mounjaro was as good at preventing heart attacks and strokes as its older medicine Trulicity in a head-to-head study. According to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Michael Shah, the study's results will "likely be received negatively by the market" because Mounjaro was not meaningfully better than Trulicity. - AbbVie (ABBV) shares are getting a lift after AbbVie raised its full-year profit forecast due to booming sales from newer immunology drugs that beat Wall Street's estimates. The company's quarterly sales were $15.42 billion, above the average analyst estimate of $15 billion, with adjusted earnings of $2.97 a share, a 12% increase. - Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) shares are moving on news it is enacting a round of layoffs that will see jobs cut across its marketing, production strategy, operations and theatre ventures divisions. Roughly 10% of the studio's workforce will be impacted, according to Variety.
Bloomberg
31-07-2025
- Health
- Bloomberg
Lilly's Mounjaro Cuts Risk of Heart Attacks, Strokes in Study
Eli Lilly & Co. 's blockbuster diabetes drug Mounjaro was about as good at preventing heart attacks and strokes as its older medicine Trulicity in a head-to-head study of the two treatments. The trial — Lilly's largest and longest of Mounjaro to date — was designed to show non-inferiority to Trulicity, meaning it set out to prove that Mounjaro was an acceptable alternative when it comes to reducing risks from major cardiovascular events.
