PHOENIX, Ariz. — Bret Michaels is facing some more serious health problems.
The 47-year-old rocker was hospitalized this week after suffering numbness on the left side of his body, which doctors determined to be a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or warning stroke. Michaels also suffered a second setback when further tests determined he had a hole in his heart (Patent Foramen Ovale).
Both conditions are not believed to be connected to the subarachnoid hemorrhage Michaels suffered on April 21.
"There is no doubt that the positive Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is devastating news to Bret and his family," said Dr. Joseph Zabramski, a top neurosurgeon at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Ariz., in a statement posted on the singer's Web site. "The good news is that it is operable and treatable and we think we may have diagnosed the problem that caused the Transient Ischemic Attach (TIA) or warning stroke; however we feel it is highly unlikely this is connected to the brain hemorrhage he suffered just a few weeks earlier. Once again it is great that he quickly reacted to the severe numbness and got to the hospital immediately."
"I realize Bret wants to make a full recovery so that he can be active with his family, attempt to attend the finale of Celebrity Apprentice and especially get back on the road to continue making music," the doctor continued. "Without a doubt he is very determined to get healthy and make a 100% recovery. Medically speaking it is a fantastic attitude both mentally and physically for him to have. However, Bret's brain and body are not quite 100% yet, especially with the hole found in his heart. Further tests will be conducted throughout the week and I will have more information next week as to how this Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) will be treated. For now, Bret will be treated with outpatient care which includes a daily injection of Lovenox (a blood thinner to reduce the chance of blood clots) and blood tests."
It remains unclear how the latest medical setbacks will impact the Rock of Love star's comeback plans. Last week, Michaels announced plans to resume his solo tour on May 28 at the Hard Rock Live in Biloxi, Miss.
"Bret wants everyone to know he cannot thank you enough for all of the well wishes, prayers, and good vibes you have sent his way," his rep said. "Even though these last few months have been tough on him and his family, especially this most recent setback, he is in good spirits, great medical hands and is positive and hopeful that everything is going to be OK. He is up, walking, talking, continuing his daily rehab and very happy to be alive but he has made it clear he is sick and tired of being in the hospital and is ready to rock again."
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