ADVERTISEMENT

Emilia Clarke survived 2 brain aneurysms. Here's what you need to know about the life-threatening condition.

emilia clarke
  • " Game of Thrones " actress Emilia Clarke opened up about the two brain aneurysms that brought her close to death in an essay for the New Yorker.
  • Clarke shared the details of her story in hopes of raising awareness about the dangers of brain aneurysms and subarachnoid hemorrhages.
  • A brain aneurysm occurs when the wall of one of the blood vessels that supplies blood to your brain weakens causing it to expand and potentially burst.
  • A subarachnoid hemorrhage , or bleeding in the area surrounding the brain, is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention to lessen the risk of permanent injury and/or death.

In an emotional essay for the New Yorker, Emilia Clarke who plays Daenerys Targaryen on HBO's "Game of Thrones" revealed that during the course of the show's eight seasons, she nearly died twice due to complications from brain aneurysms.

ADVERTISEMENT

Through emergency surgeries and great care providers, Clarke said she was able to make a full recovery. A lot of people who experience subarachnoid hemorrhages, however, are not as fortunate.

According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation , ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal in about 40% of cases and around 66% of those who survive experience some type of permanent neurological impairment.

ADVERTISEMENT

In 2011, after she had finished filming the first season of "Game of Thrones," Clarke suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage as the result of a ruptured brain aneurysm.

After undergoing a minimally-invasive surgery to repair the bleed, Clarke was told that if she made it to the two-week mark in her recovery, chances significantly increased that her recovery would be good.

Despite developing a traumatic bout of aphasia a language impairment that can vary in severity and make communication difficult and frustrating that lasted one week, Clarke made a complete recovery.

Two years later, however, the actress was told a second brain aneurysm had greatly expanded in size. She underwent another minimally invasive surgery, only to wake up in extreme pain. Her brain bleed had gotten worse and she'd need invasive, open-skull surgery.

ADVERTISEMENT

Clarke eventually recovered from the surgery and is now sharing her story to raise awareness about brain injuries and stroke especially in young people. She's started a charity called SameYou to try to bring attention to the access that sufferers of such injuries need to increase their chances of recovery.

An aneurysm occurs when part of an artery wall weakens, causing it to bulge or balloon out. A brain aneurysm, or cerebral aneurysm, is when the aneurysm occurs in one of the blood vessels that supplies blood to parts of your brain.

According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, an estimated one in 50 people in the US may have an unruptured brain aneurysm at any time and not know it. It's more common in women than men, especially those over the age of 55. They are also more common in African-American and Hispanic individuals than whites.

People aged 35 to 60 see the most frequent prevalence of aneurysms; most are recorded after age 40. M isdiagnosis or delays in a correct diagnosis can prevent individuals with unruptured aneurysms from being able to coordinate preventive care with their healthcare providers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ruptured brain aneurysms are just one possible cause of subarachnoid hemorrhages, or bleeding in the area surrounding the brain.

Risk factors for brain aneurysms include family history of brain aneurysms, high blood pressure, smoking, and personal history of other aneurysms.

Some common symptoms associated with brain hemorrhages are vision changes or pain around your eyes, pupils that dilate with no other explanation, feeling weak or numb on one side of your body, trouble with balance or hearing loss, memory trouble, and seizures.

These symptoms may also be indicative of other conditions, so it's best to see your healthcare provider in order to get on the path to an accurate diagnosis.

ADVERTISEMENT

In the case of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, seizures are also possible along with light sensitivity, double vision, the worst headache you've ever had, nausea or vomiting, trouble speaking, a stiff neck, confusion, and trouble concentrating.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, don't wait call emergency services and get medical help immediately.

FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Recommended articles

Africa’s richest man Dangote stands between Europe and $17 billion in revenue

Africa’s richest man Dangote stands between Europe and $17 billion in revenue

After months of exchanging blows, Kenya and Uganda takes steps towards resolution

After months of exchanging blows, Kenya and Uganda takes steps towards resolution

Africa's first black billionaire could join $2.9 billion Vivendi bid for MultiChoice

Africa's first black billionaire could join $2.9 billion Vivendi bid for MultiChoice

10 most dangerous African countries in 2024

10 most dangerous African countries in 2024

Russia’s nuclear influence expands further north of Africa

Russia’s nuclear influence expands further north of Africa

Navigating the future: How AI transforms selling on Amazon

Navigating the future: How AI transforms selling on Amazon

Wall decor tips: Transforming your space with style and creativity

Wall decor tips: Transforming your space with style and creativity

Putin's African diplomacy: Security talks with West, Central Africa take centre stage

Putin's African diplomacy: Security talks with West, Central Africa take centre stage

Infinix users get over 35% exclusive discount on Showmax premier league & general entertainment subscription

Infinix users get over 35% exclusive discount on Showmax premier league & general entertainment subscription

ADVERTISEMENT